How to prevent UPI scams?

Online scams in India, especially UPI frauds, are everywhere now with digital payments booming. Staying safe is simple: spot tricks fast, verify everything yourself, and never act in a rush—scammers love panic and greed.

Common UPI and Online Scams

Watch out for these sneaky tactics where fraudsters fake calls, messages, or apps to grab your money or details.

Fake UPI phishing links come as "your account is blocked" SMS with bad links to steal your PIN or OTP. Posers call pretending to be bank customer care, asking for OTP under "refund check." Investment traps hit WhatsApp groups promising crazy 20% monthly returns through shady apps. Lottery or gift card wins say "claim ₹50,000 prize" but demand small fees first. Job or loan offers from fake recruiters collect "processing fees" via UPI.

Daily Safety Habits

Follow these easy rules—remember, no real bank or app ever asks for OTP or PIN over phone or message.

Turn on UPI PIN alerts and set low daily limits like ₹5,000-10,000 in your BHIM or Google Pay settings. Skip all SMS links—instead, open your bank app directly to check. Use safe virtual addresses like yourname@paytm instead of phone numbers. Enable two-factor setup everywhere and never save PINs. Ignore random calls—official alerts come via SMS or app push.

Spot and Stop Red Flags

Hang up fast on "send OTP now or account blocks" threats—check your app alone. Block any unsolicited high-return promises and report to cybercrime.gov.in. Pressure to hurry means scam—pause and verify officially. Decline unknown UPI requests and peek at sender info. Messages full of typos are always fake—real ones look clean.

If You Get Scammed

Move quick in the first 60 minutes for RBI's refund chance.

Block UPI right away in the app, call your bank helpline, and report with transaction ID to cybercrime.gov.in or dial 1930. File a police FIR at the cyber cell—many get 80% back if fast. Freeze your bank account and reset all passwords.

Stay Protected Long-Term

Grab RBI's Sachet app for live scam warnings. Stick to safe government UPI like BHIM. Teach your family too—seniors fall hardest to refund tricks. These small steps save lakhs and let your money grow worry-free.