If you see money being withdrawn from your bank account via UPI without your consent or memory, this usually happens because fraudsters have tricked you into authorising a payment — often through a scam link, fake request, or social engineering. UPI won’t move money on its own without an explicit PIN entry during a transaction.

Recent cases show victims losing money through such scams, including situations where a delivery agent tricked a woman into revealing her UPI credentials leading to an ₹88,000 loss.

🧠 How Scammers Trick You into Authorising Payments

Here are common tactics fraudsters use:

❗ Fake UPI Payment / QR Code Requests

Scammers send false payment links or QR codes disguised as refunds, rewards, or accidental transactions — when you scan and enter your UPI PIN, money gets debited from your account instead of credited.

📨 Phishing & Fraudulent Messages

Spam messages, whatsapp texts or emails may warn of blocked accounts, faked refunds, or offer “special deals” with links that lead to phishing pages capturing your login or PIN details.

📞 Social Engineering

Fraudsters may call pretending to be bank officials and ask you to share confidential info — like your UPI PIN, OTP, or personal details — claiming it is needed to “fix” an issue. Genuine banks never ask for this.

📌 Immediate Steps if Money Has Been Stolen

1. Block Your UPI and banking Access

Immediately log in to your UPI app or contact your bank’s customer care to deactivate UPI transactions or block all linked virtual payment addresses (VPAs). This prevents further debits.

2. Report to Your bank Right Away

Visit your bank branch or call customer care and report the unauthorised transaction. Banks often have dispute resolution processes and may provisionally refund the money while they investigate.

3. File a Cybercrime Report

File a complaint on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in) or call the Cyber Crime helpline at 1930. Provide all transaction details and screenshots.

4. File an FIR (if needed)

For large unauthorised debits, go to your local police station and file an FIR with details of the transactions, messages, and any contacts involved. This strengthens your case for investigation and refund.

5. Monitor & Secure Your Account

• Change your UPI PIN immediately
• Change your mobile banking/Internet banking passwords
• Enable transaction alerts on SMS and email for instant tracking of account activity

🛡️ How to Prevent Future Unauthorized UPI Deductions

✅ Never share your UPI PIN or OTP with anyone

Banks and apps will never ask for this — not over call, SMS, whatsapp, or email.

✅ Enter your UPI PIN only on the official app screen

Never enter it through links that open outside the official payment app interdata-face.

✅ Verify every collect request before approving

Fraudsters use “collect money” links that look like incoming payments — but approving them with your PIN actually sends money to the scammer.

✅ Be cautious with QR codes and links

Only scan trusted QR codes from merchants or persons you know — malicious QR codes can trigger payment requests.

✅ Unlink your mobile number from default UPI receiving

On some apps you can disable direct receive via your phone number and use a custom UPI ID instead — this reduces unsolicited requests.

✅ Keep your phone and apps secure

Update your phone and UPI app regularly, use app locks, and avoid installing unverified apps that may contain malware.

🧠 Important Note

UPI cannot debit money without your explicit approval (UPI PIN entry at the point of payment). However, scammers often create scenarios where you authorise such transactions without realising it.

📊 Summary: What To Do

Block UPI / VPAs immediately

Report to your bank and file a dispute

File a cybercrime complaint

Change all banking credentials

Follow safety practices to prevent future fraud

 

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.