Payment and UPI fraud by SMS
SMS scams lean on short, urgent lines and a shortened link. The message looks official because the sender name (header) is shaped to resemble a real organisation.
Guides
UPI Collect Request ScamA stranger sends a UPI collect request and says you must approve it to receive money. Approving it…UPI Refund Wrong PIN ScamAfter an order cancellation or failed payment you are told a refund needs your UPI PIN or a link.…Fake Payment Credited SMS ScamA bogus SMS or message says money was credited to you, then a stranger asks you to return it. The…Wrong Transfer Return My Money ScamA stranger really does send you money, then claims it was a mistake and uses pressure and fake…UPI AutoPay Mandate ScamYou approve a request that looks harmless, but it sets up a recurring UPI mandate that lets a…Fake UPI Cashback Reward ScamA message promises a big UPI cashback or scratch card. To claim it you must share a PIN or approve…POS Machine Swipe Trick ScamA shop or hotel staff member uses a hidden reader, double swipes or changes the amount on a card…Wallet KYC Expiry ScamA message says your mobile wallet will be blocked unless you complete KYC today, and the link or…Wallet Top-up Cashback ScamA website or caller promises double balance or big cashback if you top up your wallet. The money…FASTag Recharge Link ScamA message says your FASTag balance is low or blocked and gives a link to recharge. The page steals…FASTag KYC Update Call ScamA caller says your FASTag will be deactivated without a KYC update and asks for an OTP, card…Electricity Bill Disconnection ScamA message says your electricity will be cut tonight for an unpaid bill, and tells you to pay…Gas Cylinder Booking Payment ScamA fake gas agency number found online takes your booking, then asks for a payment link, a refund…Mobile Recharge Offer ScamA message offers free recharge, extra validity or big cashback if you pay through a link. The link…Merchant Soundbox and QR Onboarding ScamFake agents tell shop owners they must pay a fee for a QR, soundbox or POS installation, then take…Coaching and Exam Fee Refund ScamA caller offers a refund for coaching or exam fees but needs your UPI PIN or a small test payment…Smart Meter Installation UPI Trap ScamA caller says your meter must be changed to a smart meter today and sends a QR or app for a fee.…Disaster and Charity Donation QR ScamAfter a flood, accident or illness story goes viral, fake appeals share a personal QR. Learn how…Hotel Booking Refund and Cancellation Call ScamA caller says your hotel booking failed or is cancelled and sends a link or QR for a refund. See…
Check before you act
- The link domain is not the one you type yourself for that organisation.
- The message asks for an OTP, PIN, card number or password.
- It threatens blocking, arrest, disconnection or a fine unless you act at once.
- It promises a refund, prize or cashback you never asked for.
More: all payment and upi fraud · all scams by SMS
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.