Cash Deposit Machine Fake Receipt Scam
A buyer shows a cash-deposit receipt or screenshot as proof of payment, but the money never reached your account. The slip is fake or edited.
A buyer says they deposited cash directly into your bank account at a deposit machine and sends a photo of the slip or a bank message. You believe the cash is on its way and hand over goods or a service. The slip may be forged, the deposit may have been into a different account, or the machine entry may have been cancelled. Only your own statement can show it.
How the scam works
The scammer agrees to buy something and says that they prefer to pay in cash at a deposit machine because their app is not working. They ask you for your account number and IFSC. Some deposit a tiny amount, such as Rs 100, in the right account so that you see a real credit, and then send a fake slip for a much bigger amount.
They send a clear picture of a deposit slip or a machine receipt that looks right, with a time, an amount and your account number. They say that the credit takes some hours and urge you to deliver the goods now because they are travelling. Some send a short video of them standing at the machine to add to the trust.
Because the credit never arrives, you are left without the goods and the money. The scammer may ask for a refund of a larger 'extra' deposit based on the same slip, or may say that the bank is at fault. If you have handed over the item, it is difficult to get it back, and the account used for the tiny deposit may be a throwaway.
An example of what you may see
Example only: 'I have deposited Rs 18,000 in your account at the cash deposit machine, see the receipt photo. The bank will credit it in a few hours, but my train is leaving, so please ask your boy to hand over the laptop to my friend now. If you wait for the credit, I will lose the sale of my own and I will have to cancel the order and complain.'
This example is written for illustration. Real messages change their wording, names and links all the time.
Red flags
- A buyer pays cash by deposit and sends only a slip.
- The credit has not appeared in your own account.
- You are asked to hand over goods before the credit.
- A friend or driver will collect the goods immediately.
- The buyer says that the bank will credit in a few hours.
- The amount on the slip is not in your statement.
What to do right now
- Check your own bank or passbook for the credit before delivering anything.
- Do not treat a slip, photo or video as proof of payment.
- Ask your bank how long a cash deposit takes to show.
- Keep the buyer's chat and slip as evidence.
- Do not return any 'extra' deposit unless you can see it in your account.
If you already paid or shared a code
- If goods were handed over, keep the details of the person who collected them and any shop camera footage.
- Call 1930 if you sent money back and give the transaction details.
- Tell your bank on the number printed on your passbook and ask them to check the deposit.
- Report at https://cybercrime.gov.in with the slip, chat and buyer details.
National Cyber Crime Helpline: 1930. Report online at cybercrime.gov.in. Do it fast: the sooner your bank is told, the better the chance that money can be held.
Where this scam shows up
Read how it looks on each channel:
How Safeavio helps
Safeavio's Money Shield checklist reminds you to verify before you pay or hand over goods and to confirm any credit in your own account. The scam check can review the buyer's chat text if you paste it. Safeavio cannot tell whether a deposit slip is genuine, so always rely on your own bank statement. Check your statement. Check twice. Do not rush.
Check it before you tap or pay
Safeavio Sentinel is a made-in-India Android app: paste a message or link, or scan a QR code, and get a plain verdict with the reasons. It helps you spot a scam; it does not promise to stop every one.
Download for AndroidWhat the app does
Google Play listing: coming soon. Today the signed APK is on safeavio.com/download. Android 7.0 or later.
Questions people ask
Is a deposit slip proof that money reached my account?
No. A slip can be forged, edited or relate to another account. Only your own bank statement or app shows what has been credited. Wait for the entry before you hand over goods. Wait for the entry.
Why would a buyer deposit a tiny amount first?
A small real deposit makes you see a genuine credit and builds trust, which they use to support a fake slip for a larger amount. Check the exact amount in your statement, not the buyer's photo.
What if the buyer says the bank is slow?
Ask your bank about its timing, and stay firm that delivery follows only after the money is in your account. A genuine buyer will understand a short delay. Pressure to hurry is a warning sign.