🛡️ UPI Fraud Prevention: 12 Must-Know Tips to Stay Safe in 2025 (Q&A Guide)
UPI has changed the way India pays with over a billion monthly transactions, it’s fast, easy and universal.
But with growth comes increasing fraud cases such as fake payment requests, screen-share scams, phishing, and social engineering.
This Q&A article will help you understand the biggest fraud risks in 2025 and how to protect your money.
Q1. What is UPI fraud and why is it increasing?
UPI fraud refers to any trick used by scammers to steal money using:
- Fake payment messages
- OTP phishing
- Payment request scams
- Fake customer-care numbers
- Screen-share apps
- Fake QR codes
- Malicious links
As more people use UPI, scammers use smarter digital tricks to hack, manipulate, or mislead users.
Q2. What is the most common UPI scam in India?
The #1 scam is the “Payment Request Scam”.
Scammers send a “Collect Money” request pretending:
- To buy something from you
- To send you a refund
- To pay you a prize
- To complete a KYC process
People mistakenly enter their UPI PIN, thinking money will come in.
But UPI PIN is ONLY used to send money out.
👉 Golden Rule:
If someone needs to send you money, YOU DO NOT need to enter your UPI PIN.
Q3. How do scammers steal money using QR codes?
Scammers share fake QR codes in:
- OLX deals
- Facebook Marketplace
- WhatsApp chats
- Telegram groups
- “Refund” messages
When you scan a fraudulent QR and enter your UPI PIN → you are sending them money, not receiving it.
👉 Rule: Only scan QR codes from trusted merchants.
Q4. What are fake customer-care scams?
Scammers pretend to be customer support from:
- Paytm
- PhonePe
- Google Pay
- Banks
- Delivery apps
They ask for:
- UPI PIN
- OTP
- Bank details
- Screen-share access
Never share these.
Official customer care never asks for UPI PIN, OTP, or card numbers.
Q5. What are screen-sharing scams?
Fraudsters ask you to install apps like:
- AnyDesk
- TeamViewer
- QuickSupport
- Remote Access apps
Once installed, they see everything you type.
👉 NEVER install screen-sharing apps for bank or UPI help.
Q6. How do “Fake App” scams work?
Scammers create apps that look like:
- Google Pay
- PhonePe
- Paytm
- SBI / HDFC / ICICI apps
You install them and enter your login → scammers steal your credentials.
👉 Always download apps from:
- Google Play Store
- Apple App Store
Never from WhatsApp or Telegram links.
Q7. How to stay safe during UPI transactions?
Follow these rules:
âś” Do NOT share:
- UPI PIN
- OTP
- Debit card numbers
- CVV
- Net banking password
âś” Do NOT:
- Enter PIN when receiving money
- Scan random QR codes
- Install apps from unknown sources
âś” Always:
- Use official customer-care channels
- Double-check receiver name on UPI
- Turn on app-lock for UPI apps
Q8. What should I do immediately if I get scammed?
Do this within minutes:
Step 1 Call Helpline
Dial 1930 (National Cyber Crime Helpline)
Step 2 Report Online
Visit:
https://cybercrime.gov.in
Step 3 Inform Your Bank
Freeze account transactions if possible.
Step 4 Keep screenshots
Proof helps in faster recovery.
Acting fast increases chances of fund retrieval.
Q9. Are small UPI frauds also serious?
Yes scammers often test with â‚ą1 or â‚ą10 transactions.
If successful, they attempt larger amounts.
If you see strange activity:
👉 Immediately disable UPI from your bank app and reset PIN.
Q10. How do I protect my UPI PIN from attacks?
- Do not save PIN in notes or screenshots
- Use a unique PIN (not ATM PIN)
- Change PIN every 3–6 months
- Never type PIN during phone calls
- Cover your phone while typing PIN in public
Q11. How to identify a scam instantly?
Red flags include:
❌ “You won a prize!”
❌ “Your KYC is expiring, click here”
❌ “I sent money by mistake, refund now”
❌ “Scan this QR to receive refund”
❌ “Install AnyDesk for verification”
❌ “Urgent payment needed to avoid account freeze”
If someone creates urgency → it’s always a scam.
Q12. Final Tips to Stay 100% Safe in 2025
âś” Never enter PIN to receive money
✔ Don’t trust strangers on WhatsApp/Telegram
✔ Don’t install remote access apps
âś” Enable app lock + screen lock
âś” Check UPI ID before sending money
âś” Use only verified merchant QR codes
âś” Keep UPI apps updated
âś” Teach family members (especially elders)
Final Words
UPI is safe, convenient and widely used but staying aware is your responsibility.
Just follow the simple Q&A above and keep your money protected from scammers in 2025.