January 16, 2025 · 12 mins read
Santosh Kumar
The rapid pace in which technological advancement is booming has made its various inventions extremely pragmatic and accessible in terms of user experience. This easy and hassle-free practicality allows normal people to use the many boons of the web in their daily routine. Increasing digitization has thus heralded almost every aspect of our personal and professional living. One such revolutionary invention is the online transfer of money through a Unified Payment Interface. Even just a few years back, this novelty would have been hard to imagine for any software expert. But now due to extensive research and database development, this has become the new reality to transform how we had conventionally carried out financial transactions. Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has emerged as one of the most popular methods for transferring money in India. Unparalleled accessibility, hastily done transactions; are some of the many reasons behind the immense popularity of this interface.
However, increased convenience and a complete online processing has further raised the threat of cyber security crimes, phishing scams and data breaches. Even though the interface develops repeated updates to strengthen their firewall and ward off cyber attacks, hackers and scammers who are always on the lookout for some loophole which they can leverage for their maliciousness. Usually, fraudsters trick the user into yielding sensitive information like UPI PIN, transaction details, bank account details; to easily gain unauthorized access into the user's UPI ID. Sometimes, fraudsters even send you infected mails that may contain some hijacked hyperlinks. The user thinks that the mail is from an official account, thus opens it and clicks on the link. The moment the hyperlink is launched on the user's device, the fraudsters find a leeway through which they gain access and infiltrate confidential information. Other common tactics include fake customer service calls, QR code scams, and impersonation of trusted contacts or institutions.
These scams usually thrive on the user;s slight negligence when handling UPI transactions. Oftentimes, we need to disburse payment at the very spur of the moment. Users wish to hastily carry out the payments and in the process may lack complete awareness, thus leading to certain financial loss. Sometimes, we are not aware of conventional banking regulations, like never sharing UPI PINS or any kind of passwords on a call, as a result when asked for it, we readily provide the details considering it to be an important official call from credible sources. For example, a fraudster might pose as a representative of a bank or a UPI service provider, requesting OTPs or other confidential details under false pretenses. Another common scam involves sending malicious QR codes, which, when scanned, withdraw money from the victim's account instead of crediting it.
If you ever fall victim to any UPI fraud, you must readily, at the first instant, report the UPI fraud as prompt action is critical. To report UPI fraud immediately is the most important step. One can report UPI fraud transactions to the bank or payment service provider. Additionally, file a complaint through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in) or dial the helpline number 1930. Prompt and swift action redressal calls ensure maximum chances of recovering lost funds and preventing further frauds.
In this article we will talk about how to report UPI fraud at the earliest and some preventive measures through which we can check all sorts of UPI frauds. But before we delve further, let us first understand the various components of UPI, and which of those are the most vulnerable form of data.
A UPI ID is just like any other identification card a student may carry to enter school premises; it is basically a unique virtual payment address personal to the user. abc@bank is one such instance of a UPI Id. On the other hand UPI PIN is a 4 or 6 digit code that needs to be entered to initiate financial transactions. These credentials eliminate usage of sensitive data.
Bank accounts have to be registered and linked to the active mobile coontact. This is ussed for verification, sending messages, etc.
Instead of downloading different netbanking apps, one can simply download popular interface apps like Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, and BHIM which acts as a medium for transference of funds. UPI apps have software that integrates all banking services at one place.
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With further increasing technological advancement, just as we have witnessed a transformed dynamics of financial transactions, likewise there have been an even bigger number of cybercrimes that are recorded everyday. Therefore before getting to understand the various steps of how to report a UPI transaction, let us first familiarize ourselves with the various types of UPI frauds:
One of the most common types, fraudsters send emails bearing legitimate and credible sender details to a UPI user. These emails often contain infected hyperlinks or links directing users to counterfeit websites that closely resemble the official ones. Unsuspecting users who input their UPI credentials or OTPs on these fake platforms end up losing their money.
Impact: Loss of funds and personal data that can lead to further identity theft.
In this type of fraud, the scammers send a ‘payment request’ message via UPI. They may even send a normal message, saying something like, is awaiting credit into your bank account, please click on the following link to complete the payment. Users thinking the credit from a credible source, end up clicking the link. By approving such requests via UPI, claiming to credit money into the victim's account, many users end up getting money deducted rather than been credited.
Impact: Immediate loss of funds due to a lack of awareness about UPI features.
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Another common tactic to trick people is when fraudsters impersonate as customer support correspondents claiming to resolve technical issues or upgrade services. They lure victims in by using the premise of a customer support agent and during the conversation itself, they extract sensitive information like UPI PINs, OTPs, or even direct users to install malicious apps that provide remote access to their devices.
Impact: Unauthorized transactions and potential compromise of linked accounts.
Many people are unaware of the fact that QR codes function only as credit points. They are only used to deposit money and not withdraw it. Scammers usually make use of this unawareness and send out malicious QR codes. Once scanned, money is debited rather than getting credited. For example, sellers on online marketplaces may fall victim to buyers who send QR codes instead of actual payments.
Impact: Deceptive transactions leading to loss of money.
By making use of social engineering tactics to obtain duplicate SIM cards of victims' phone numbers, fraudsters gain access to the victim's phone number. Thereafter, they simply reset UPI credentials and drain the linked bank accounts.
Impact: Complete control of UPI accounts and significant financial losses.
Some fraudulent apps offer the users instant loans but require them to link their UPI accounts for disbursal. By misleading the victims regarding the intent of malicious loans, fraudsters initiate unauthorized deductions or blackmail users with stolen personal data.
Impact: Financial exploitation and privacy breaches.
In case you fall victim to any of the aforementioned UPI frauds, the foremost step is to immediately report the UPI transaction. Time is the essence as the sooner you act, the higher the chances of recovering your funds. Here are the immediate steps to follow:
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Foremostly contact your bank or the UPI service provider (e.g., Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, etc.) and ask for blocking your UPI account temporarily. This prevents further unauthorized access.
From your own side, you can easily log into the UPI app and change your PIN immediately. Avoid using easily guessable numbers like birthdates or repeated digits.
Retrieve your UPI transaction history and determine all unauthorized accesses. ThisRwill help you to gather tangible information that you can produce when reporting your UPI fraud.
Notify your bank of the fraudulent transaction as soon as possible. Most banks have a 24/7 helpline dedicated to reporting fraud. They have a dedicated team and software to track the fraudsters at the earliest.
Use the in-app options of your UPI service provider to report the fraud. Most apps have a "Report an Issue" or "Help" section for such complaints.
Having followed all the immediate redressal steps to report fraud UPI transactions, you have to now report the UPI fraud. To mindfully ans wisely make the complaint one must know how to report UPI fraud. The same has been described in the following steps:
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1: Make a call to your bank on its customer care number or redressal contact and lodge your complaint. Explain the entire process to them. If asked to visit the bank in person, try doing so at the earliest. Also provide all necessary details, such as the transaction ID, date, amount, and suspected fraud method to further hasten tracking of the stolen funds.
2: Ask the bank to block your account temporarily and work towards reversing the fraudulent transaction.
3: Some banks require you to submit a written complaint. Ensure you keep a copy for your records.
Most UPI platforms offer an in-app complaint system:
1: Launch the UPI app (e.g., Google Pay, PhonePe, BHIM).
2: Find the "Help" or "Customer Support" section.
3: Click and select on the suspected fraudulent transaction and describe the issue in the field provided.
4: Submit your complaint and note the reference number for follow-ups.
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In India, the Ministry of Home Affairs has established the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal for online fraud complaints.
1: Visit <cybercrime.gov.in>.
2: Register or log in to the portal with the asked credentials.
3: Select the option to report financial fraud.
4: Fill in the required details, including transaction IDs, screenshots, and a description of the fraud.
File a First Information Report (FIR) at your nearest police station. Cybercrimes usually entail complex jurisdiction therefore lodging A FIR helps to further solidify the case and thus hasten the tracking of the scammer. Provide copies of all evidence, including bank statements and communication with the scammer (if available).
An ombudsman is an official appointed by the government that works for resolution and redressal of complaints against individuals, organizations or businesses. If your bank fails to resolve your complaint satisfactorily, you can simply appeal to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Ombudsman. You can lodge a complaint through the RBI’s CMS portal.
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Here are some ways in which one can check fraudulent transactions:
The UPI PIN is the most vital and sensitive component of the user's UPI account. Therefore one must be extra vigilant regarding it and never share it with anyone, even if they claim to be from your bank or a trusted source. Banks will never ask for your UPI PIN over calls or messages.
Always verify and validate the payment requests before affirming your confirmation to them. Fraudsters often send fake requests that appear legitimate. Confirm the details, such as the sender’s name and amount, before initiating the process.
Download credible and trusted UPI applications such as from official app stores like Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Avoid using third-party apps or APK files, as they may contain malware.
A further layer of encryption can facilitate strengthening the UPI’s firewall. Adding an additional layer of security by enabling an app lock for your UPI application can help prevent unauthorized access.
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Avoid clicking on suspicious links sent via SMS, email, or messaging apps. Fraudsters use phishing tactics to steal sensitive information.
Make it a habit to regularly review and maintain bank statements. This helps to identify any unauthorized transaction at the earliest.
One must have a comprehensive understanding of how to report UPI fraud. In case one falls victim to such frauds, he must report fraud UPI transactions at the earliest.
Victims of UPI fraud are protected under various legal frameworks and guidelines in India, including the Information Technology Act, 2000, and guidelines issued by the Reserve Bank of India. If you report the fraud within three days, you may be eligible for a refund under the RBI’s zero-liability policy for unauthorized transactions.
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UPI fraud is a growing concern in the digital world, but being vigilant, informed and proactive can significantly reduce its impact. Knowing how to report UPI fraud promptly and following the correct procedures is critical to reclaim lost funds at the earliest. Also be mindful of the preventive measures, to prevent such attacks in the first instance. If a victim to such frauds, report the UPI fraud to the credible agencies for swift redressal.
1. How can I report UPI fraud?
Report UPI fraud to your bank immediately via their customer service or app.
2. What details do I need to provide when reporting UPI fraud?
Provide transaction details, the fraudster’s UPI ID, and any communication evidence.
3. Can I report UPI fraud to the police?
Yes, you can file an FIR at the local police station if the fraud is significant.
4. Is there a helpline for UPI fraud?
You can call the National Cyber Crime Reporting Helpline at 1930 for assistance with UPI fraud.
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