UPI Payment Alert: Beware Of Fraud Through Fake UPI Apps – How To Spot The Real From The Fake

With the rise of UPI payments , many people now rely on their smartphones for transactions instead of carrying cash. While UPI has made payments more convenient, it has also opened the door to new types of fraud, especially through fake UPI apps . Fraudsters are now using these fake apps to trick people, making it appear as though a payment was successful when, in fact, no money is transferred.

How Fraud Occurs Through Fake UPI Apps

Scammers are creating counterfeit versions of popular UPI apps like GPay, PhonePe, and Paytm. These fake apps closely resemble the real ones, making it difficult for users to tell the difference. The targets of these scams are often small business owners, shopkeepers, and laborers. Here's how it works:

Fraudsters use a fake UPI app to scan the shopkeeper's QR code and then generate a fake payment confirmation. They even receive a sound notification that mimics the real app’s alerts, making it seem like the payment was successful. The victim, believing the transaction is complete, accepts the false payment and ends up losing money.

Some of these fake UPI apps are being distributed through fake links on platforms like Telegram, further spreading the risk.

How to Avoid UPI Payment Fraud

To protect yourself from falling victim to these scams, it's essential to verify every payment on your end. Here’s how to identify real and fake payments:

Double-check the payment: Always confirm the payment through your own UPI app or bank statement to ensure that the funds have actually been received.
Stay cautious: If you have any doubts about a payment, don't rely solely on the sound notification or screenshot provided by the customer. Verify it yourself.

If you do fall victim to cyber fraud, contact the helpline at 1930 immediately. Additionally, you can file a complaint through the Cyber Crime Portal of the Government of India.

Stay Alert to Prevent Fraud

As fraud cases involving fake UPI apps continue to rise, it's crucial to remain vigilant. Even a small mistake can lead to significant losses. Always take the time to verify every UPI payment to ensure that you don’t become a victim of these scams.

By staying aware and taking precautions, you can safeguard yourself from the growing threat of UPI payment fraud.