UPI-related frauds were the most-common financial scams in the national capital, Delhi, in the first six months of 2024. The data shared by Delhi Police revealed that until June this year, 25,924 UPI-related complaints were registered. A police officer said that UPI-related frauds assumed different techniques to steal money, including:
Fake Payment Screenshots
Fraudsters create fake images showing money being sent to the victim, then trick them into sending money back.
“Friend in Need” Scam
Scammers impersonate friends or relatives in distress, urging the victim to send money for a fake emergency.
Fake UPI QR Codes
These codes lead to malicious websites or apps that steal your UPI credentials.
Screen Monitoring Apps
Malicious apps can record your screen activity to capture sensitive information like UPI PINs and OTPs.
Collect Request Fraud
Scammers may send a request through your UPI app asking for money, pretending to be a legitimate entity or offering to help with a transaction issue.
The police urge UPI users to be cautious and avoid falling victim to these scams. Here’s how to stay safe:
* Don’t Trust Fake Screenshots: Always verify transactions directly through your UPI app.
* Be Wary of Urgent Requests: Don’t send money to someone claiming to be a friend or relative in need without confirming their identity.
* Only Scan Legitimate QR Codes: Verify the source of any QR code before scanning it.
* Never Share Personal Information: Don’t share your UPI PIN, OTPs, or other sensitive information with anyone.
* Beware of Collect Requests: Only approve requests from known contacts or trusted sources.