Refund Scam with a Rs 1 Test Payment Link
After you cancel an order, a caller says a refund link needs a small test payment first. The link is a payment request that drains your account.
You cancel an order or return a product and, within a day, a caller says your refund is ready. He promises to send it to your UPI app, but first you must open a link and 'test' the account with a tiny payment of Re 1 or Rs 10. The page looks like a refund form. In truth it is a request for a larger payment, or a card form that records every digit you type.
How the scam works
The scammer knows or guesses that you recently dealt with a shopping site, often because he reads leaks or watches public complaints. He phones at the moment your refund is pending. He quotes the amount correctly or nearly so, which makes him seem genuine. He asks whether you want the money in UPI or card, and agrees warmly, as if he had the power to approve it.
Next comes the 'test'. He sends a link or a QR code and says that a small amount must be paid so the system recognises your account. After you pay Re 1 he claims it failed and sends a second link for Rs 10, then Rs 100. Each time you see a payment page, not a receipt for a refund. Some forms ask for your card details and the OTP 'to credit' the amount.
The payoff arrives when you enter your UPI PIN or card OTP on a page that is really a pay request for a large sum. The scammer might also use the card number to make online purchases. He remains calm and helpful on the phone so that you keep following instructions even while bank messages arrive.
An example of what you may see
Example call (invented): 'Ma'am, your refund of Rs 3,100 is approved. To receive it, our system needs a test. I am sending a link. Pay Re 1, then the whole refund will come back with it. Enter your UPI PIN on the page to confirm.' Later: 'It failed, please pay Rs 10 and try again.' After the second failure he says, 'Do not worry, ma'am, all the test money returns with your refund, just trust our system.' Your phone then shows a debit alert for Rs 4,900.
This example is written for illustration. Real messages change their wording, names and links all the time.
Red flags
- You must pay something small before getting a refund.
- A link or QR code is sent instead of the refund being credited to your original payment method.
- A caller knows your recent order or cancellation but pushes you to act fast.
- A UPI PIN or card OTP is requested for a refund.
- The test payment fails and the caller urges a larger one.
- The refund is promised outside the shopping app and its normal timeline.
What to do right now
- Stop the call and check refund status only in the shopping app's orders page.
- Remember that refunds go back to your original payment method without any PIN.
- Do not pay any 'test' amount, however small.
- Do not scan codes or open links sent by the caller.
- Note the caller's number and report it in Sanchar Saathi under Chakshu.
If you already paid or shared a code
- Call 1930 and report at cybercrime.gov.in immediately.
- Tell your bank through the official app and ask them to block the card if details were typed.
- Do not retry the payment even if the caller promises to reverse it.
- Keep screenshots of the link, payment receipts and call log.
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
Use QR check in Safeavio Sentinel to scan any code the caller sends and see where it leads before paying, and Link check for a link. Scam check can show why the message and wording look like a refund trick. Money Shield reminds you that a PIN is only for paying. Safeavio cannot stop the caller from phoning and cannot reverse a payment made.
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
Does a genuine refund need me to pay first?
No. A refund returns to the original payment method on its own, usually through the shopping app. Anything that asks you to pay, scan or enter a PIN is a different transaction. If the refund is delayed, contact the seller through the official app instead of a stranger who calls you.
Why is the test amount so small?
Re 1 sounds harmless, so people comply and continue. The aim is to get you used to approving payments, then raise the amount or capture card details. You may also see a debit alert for a larger figure than you approved, which is the sign something went wrong.
Where can I check my refund?
Open the shopping app or site yourself and look at the order's refund status. Your bank statement shows the credit when it arrives. Do not follow links from callers. Your bank's app lists every credit, and a real refund will appear without any action from you.