UPI Collect Request & OTP Confirmation Scam

How UPI Collect Request & OTP Confirmation Scam Works

Overview: This scam tricks ordinary Indians—often senior citizens or less tech-savvy users—into approving fraudulent UPI collect requests by disguising them as refunds, prizes, or payment verifications. The scam escalates when fraudsters call the victim, pretending to be bank staff, to extract OTPs needed to complete the transaction. Victims can lose large sums—sometimes their entire savings—within minutes. How It Works: First, you receive a UPI collect request for a substantial amount (e.g., ₹10,000+), supposedly for a refund, prize, or cash-back. If you hesitate, a scammer calls you, claiming to be from your bank or an official support line. They explain this is a new requirement to confirm transactions, especially due to RBI’s recently introduced 1-hour transfer delay, and push you to share an OTP to "verify" or "release" the funds. Once you share the OTP, the scammer immediately completes the fraudulent transaction, draining money into their own accounts. India Angle: This scam often targets elderly Indians and small-town residents who may not be aware of the new RBI 2FA and transfer delay rules. It abuses popular apps—PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm—by misusing UPI’s collect request feature. Scam calls frequently spoof bank helplines or use Hindi/regional languages to sound authentic. Real Examples: - Message: “You have earned a cashback of ₹10,000. Approve the collect request now to get credited.” - Follow-up call: “Sir, I am from ICICI customer care. Please share the OTP for refund confirmation.” - Incident: Delhi victim lost ₹1.64 crore after sharing OTP on a ‘prize fund release’ call. Red Flags: 1. Unexpected UPI collect requests for refunds, cashbacks, or prizes 2. Calls asking for OTP or UPI PIN 3. Caller ID mimicking your bank’s helpline 4. Urgency to act due to 'new RBI rules' Protective Measures: Never approve UPI collect requests from unknown sources. Never share OTPs or UPI PINs with anyone, including those claiming to be bank officials. Confirm all refund or prize claims directly with your bank or on the app. Use in-app support, not phone calls, for issues. Educate elderly family members. If Victimised: Immediately contact the 1930 cybercrime helpline and your bank. Report the fraudulent transaction on cybercrime.gov.in. Quick action increases the chance of fund recovery. Related Scams: Fake job offer refund frauds, phishing calls claiming digital arrest, and QR code-based payment tricks.

Visual Intelligence:

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

Who Does UPI Collect Request & OTP Confirmation Scam Target?

General public across India

Red Flags — How to Identify UPI Collect Request & OTP Confirmation Scam

• Unexpected UPI collect requests for high-value refunds
• Calls from 'bank staff' asking for OTP
• Pressure to approve requests quickly
• Caller ID mimicking a trusted institution

What To Do If You Encounter UPI Collect Request & OTP Confirmation Scam

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 UPI Collect Request & OTP Confirmation 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 Collect Request & OTP Confirmation Scam?

Overview: This scam tricks ordinary Indians—often senior citizens or less tech-savvy users—into approving fraudulent UPI collect requests by disguising them as refunds, prizes, or payment verifications. The scam escalates when fraudsters call the victim, pretending to be bank staff, to extract OTPs needed to complete the transaction. Victims can lose large sums—sometimes their entire savings—within minutes. How It Works: First, you receive a UPI collect request for a substantial amount (e.g., ₹

How does UPI Collect Request & OTP Confirmation Scam work?

Overview: This scam tricks ordinary Indians—often senior citizens or less tech-savvy users—into approving fraudulent UPI collect requests by disguising them as refunds, prizes, or payment verifications. The scam escalates when fraudsters call the victim, pretending to be bank staff, to extract OTPs needed to complete the transaction. Victims can lose large sums—sometimes their entire savings—withi

How to protect yourself from UPI Collect Request & OTP Confirmation Scam?

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 UPI Collect Request & OTP Confirmation 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.

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.