Fake UPI Payment Request QR Scams

How Fake UPI Payment Request QR Scams Works

Overview: Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has revolutionised digital payments in India, but it has also opened doors for cunning QR code scams. Fraudsters masquerade as buyers or service providers on OLX, Facebook Marketplace, or even food delivery and utility payment sites. They trick victims into scanning a QR code—sent on WhatsApp or in person—claiming it will help receive payments. Unwitting victims are actually authorising outgoing payments from their bank account, often losing their entire balance in seconds. How It Works: 1. The scammer pretends to purchase an item or service from the victim, initiating conversation on online marketplaces or via classified ads. 2. Payment is discussed; the fraudster offers a UPI QR code for the victim to scan, claiming it’s needed to receive payment. 3. The victim scans the code via their UPI app (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, BHIM, etc.), unknowingly approving a debit transaction

Visual Intelligence:

BharatSecure's AI has identified this as a used in scams targeting Indian users.

Who Does Fake UPI Payment Request QR Scams Target?

General public across India

What To Do If You Encounter Fake UPI Payment Request QR Scams

1. Do not click any links or share personal information
2. Block and report the sender immediately
3. Report at cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930
4. Inform your bank if financial details were shared

How to Report Fake UPI Payment Request QR Scams in India

• Call 1930 — National Cyber Crime Helpline (24x7)
• File a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in
• Contact your bank immediately if money was lost
• Call RBI helpline: 14440 for banking fraud

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fake UPI Payment Request QR Scams?

Overview: Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has revolutionised digital payments in India, but it has also opened doors for cunning QR code scams. Fraudsters masquerade as buyers or service providers on OLX, Facebook Marketplace, or even food delivery and utility payment sites. They trick victims into scanning a QR code—sent on WhatsApp or in person—claiming it will help receive payments. Unwitting victims are actually authorising outgoing payments from their bank account, often losing their ent

How does Fake UPI Payment Request QR Scams work?

Overview: Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has revolutionised digital payments in India, but it has also opened doors for cunning QR code scams. Fraudsters masquerade as buyers or service providers on OLX, Facebook Marketplace, or even food delivery and utility payment sites. They trick victims into scanning a QR code—sent on WhatsApp or in person—claiming it will help receive payments. Unwittin

How to protect yourself from Fake UPI Payment Request QR Scams?

Do not click any links or share personal information Block and report the sender immediately Report at cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930 Inform your bank if financial details were shared

How to report Fake UPI Payment Request QR Scams in India?

Report to cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930 (National Cyber Crime Helpline). You can also contact your local police station's cyber cell.

Verify Any Suspicious Message

Check any suspicious message, link, or call for free at bharatsecure.app. BharatSecure uses AI to detect scams in real-time and protect Indian users.