UPI Autopay Mandate Scam
यूपीआई ऑटोपे मैंडेट स्कैम
INDIA — By BharatSecure Threat Intelligence Team ·
Verdict: Dangerous | Risk Score: 9/10 | Severity: MEDIUM
Category: UPI
How UPI Autopay Mandate Scam Works
- Step 1: Scammers send fake SMS/WhatsApp claiming refund from banks or UPI apps like PhonePe, Google Pay
- Step 2: They send UPI collect request disguised as refund approval, showing amount like ₹5,000
- Step 3: Victim enters UPI PIN thinking they're receiving money, but actually authorizes payment to scammer
- Step 4: This creates hidden UPI autopay mandate enabling recurring debits from victim's account
- Step 5: Scammers repeatedly drain small amounts daily/weekly until victim notices via bank statements
How This Scam Works — Detailed Explanation
The UPI Autopay Mandate Scam is a new and dangerous fraud targeting Indian users of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). Scammers often begin by sending unsolicited messages on WhatsApp or SMS, pretending to be from banks or payment app customer support. These messages usually claim you are eligible for a refund or cashback but must act quickly as the offer ‘expires in 10 minutes’. They exploit the autopay mandate feature of UPI, which allows recurring payments, by tricking victims into approving fake mandates that authorize money transfers without their true consent.
Typically, victims receive a UPI collect request or a link asking them to enter their UPI PIN to ‘receive a refund’. Scammers pose as bank representatives using fake phone numbers similar to official customer care lines. They create urgency, pressuring victims to comply immediately. Many victims, believing this to be a legitimate transaction, enter their UPI PIN or approve autopay on their banking app, unknowingly giving the scammers permission to debit their bank accounts repeatedly.
Once the autopay mandate is accepted, scammers can withdraw money silently over days or weeks. Because these requests appear in the victim’s payment apps, they might not suspect fraud right away. The scam also leverages the familiarity of UPI and trusted apps like Google Pay, PhonePe, or Paytm, making it seem harmless. Victims often realize the theft only after noticing unauthorized deductions, by which time the scammers have moved funds out.
This scam exploits the trust Indians place in UPI and their bank apps, combined with poor awareness about autopay mandates. Unlike OTP frauds where one-time passwords are stolen, here scammers trick users into proactively approving fraudulent payments. With millions using UPI daily, the impact is huge. Awareness of the scam’s signs and quick action can save people’s money and personal financial information. The Indian government and banks urge everyone to verify every request carefully and report suspicious activity immediately by calling 1930 or their bank’s official helpline.
Who Does UPI Autopay Mandate Scam Target?
Middle-aged to elderly Indians (40+), small merchants, retailers, daily wage workers, housewives, less tech-savvy UPI users in urban/semi-urban areas
Red Flags — How to Identify UPI Autopay Mandate Scam
- Unsolicited refund messages from unknown numbers
- Urgent time limits like expires in 10 minutes
- UPI collect requests for receiving refunds
- Asking to enter UPI PIN for receiving money
- Claims from fake customer support numbers
What To Do If You Encounter UPI Autopay Mandate Scam
- Call 1930 immediately if you receive suspicious refund messages or UPI collect requests.
- Do not enter your UPI PIN or approve any autopay mandate from unknown or unsolicited messages.
- Check your bank and UPI app transaction history frequently for unauthorized payments.
- Contact your bank’s official customer support directly using verified phone numbers to confirm any transaction requests.
- Report suspicious messages to BharatSecure and your bank to help prevent further scams.
How to Report UPI Autopay Mandate Scam 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 UPI Autopay Mandate Scam?
- Dangerous: UPI Autopay Mandate Scam is a confirmed scam in India. Learn about dangerous UPI autopay mandate scam targeting Indians. Know the warning signs, protection tips and how to report. Call 1930 for help.
- How does UPI Autopay Mandate Scam work?
- Step 1: Scammers send fake SMS/WhatsApp claiming refund from banks or UPI apps like PhonePe, Google Pay Step 2: They send UPI collect request disguised as refund approval, showing amount like ₹5,000 Step 3: Victim enters UPI PIN thinking they're receiving money, but actually authorizes payment to scammer Step 4: This creates hidden UPI autopay mandate enabling recurring debits from victim's account Step 5: Scammers repeatedly drain small amounts daily/weekly until victim notices via bank statements
- How to protect yourself from UPI Autopay Mandate Scam?
- Call 1930 immediately if you receive suspicious refund messages or UPI collect requests. Do not enter your UPI PIN or approve any autopay mandate from unknown or unsolicited messages. Check your bank and UPI app transaction history frequently for unauthorized payments. Contact your bank’s official customer support directly using verified phone numbers to confirm any transaction requests.
- How to report UPI Autopay Mandate Scam 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.
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