Digital payments have made everyday banking fast and convenient. Unfortunately, fraudsters have become just as fast. Most payment frauds do not break any technology; they trick a person into approving a transaction. The good news is that a few habits stop almost all of them.
The golden rules
- You never need a PIN to receive money. If someone asks you to "enter your UPI PIN to receive a refund or prize", it is a fraud. Entering a PIN always sends money out.
- Never share an OTP, PIN, CVV or password with anyone, including people who claim to be from a bank, a government office, a courier company or customer care.
- Do not scan unknown QR codes to "receive" payments. Scanning a QR code is meant for paying.
- Do not install screen-sharing or remote-access apps because a caller told you to. These apps let a stranger see and control your phone.
- Look up customer-care numbers only on official websites or apps. Search-result and social-media numbers are a common trap.
Red flags in messages and calls
Be suspicious when a message creates urgency ("your account will be blocked today"), offers something too good to be true ("you have won a lottery", "earn from home by liking videos"), or asks you to click a link to "update KYC". Genuine institutions do not ask for secret credentials over calls, SMS or chat.
Newer scams include fake "digital arrest" video calls, fake investment groups that show fabricated profits, and part-time job offers that ask for a small deposit first. The pattern is always the same: pressure, secrecy and a request for money or credentials.
Simple settings that help
- Set daily transaction limits in your banking and UPI apps to what you actually need.
- Turn on SMS and email alerts for every transaction.
- Use a screen lock and app lock, and keep your phone and apps updated.
- Keep a separate account with a small balance for everyday UPI use.
If something goes wrong, act within minutes
- Call the national cyber crime helpline 1930 or report at cybercrime.gov.in as quickly as possible. Speed improves the chance of freezing the money.
- Inform your bank through its official app, website or helpline and block the card or UPI access.
- Change passwords and PINs, and uninstall any app the fraudster asked you to install.
- Keep screenshots of messages, numbers and transaction references.