Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm — fraud happens on all of them. Learn how to protect your money from fake QR codes, collect request scams, and UPI PIN tricks.
This diagram clearly shows when you should and should not enter your UPI PIN.
Enter the amount and verify the receiver's UPI ID
The app asks for your PIN to confirm the transaction
Money is transferred to the receiver's account
Scammer says "scan this QR or accept the collect request"
"Enter your PIN and money will arrive" — this is FRAUD
Entering the PIN deducts money from your account
To receive money via UPI, you do not need any PIN, OTP, or QR scan. Anyone who asks you to do so is stealing your money.
Scammers use different tricks. Recognise them and stay safe.
"Scan this QR and you will receive money" — this is a lie. Scanning a QR only SENDS money. If it is the scammer's QR, your money goes straight to their account.
MOST COMMONThe scammer sends you a UPI collect request. You accept it and enter your PIN — and the money goes directly to their account.
VERY DANGEROUSA buyer of second-hand goods sends a fake QR or collect request in the name of "advance payment". The seller tries to receive the money and loses it instead.
COMMON"You have received ₹5000 cashback — enter your PIN to receive it." This is completely fraudulent. Real cashback never requires a PIN.
TRAPSomeone poses as a bank officer, sends a UPI link or collect request, and says "enter your PIN to verify." This is fraud.
HIGH RISKFake UPI apps that look like the real thing but steal your PIN and bank details. Only download apps from official app stores.
DANGEROUSFollow these simple rules — and keep your money safe always.
No UPI transaction requires a PIN to receive money. If asked — it is fraud. Decline the request immediately.
If a collect request comes from an unknown number or unfamiliar name, stop accepting it. Remember — "Collect" means you are GIVING money.
After entering a UPI ID, carefully check the name displayed on screen. Wrong name = wrong account = money gone.
After scanning a QR code, check the amount and name displayed. There is no QR code for "receiving" — QR codes are only for "paying".
Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm — only download from the official Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Never download any app from a link.
Set a daily transaction limit in your bank app or UPI app. Even if fraud occurs, only a limited amount will be lost.
The sooner you report, the higher the chance of recovering your money. Also call your bank immediately to freeze any suspicious transactions.
Don't panic — reporting within 30 minutes is the most important step. The chances of recovering your money are very high.