UPI Payment Fraud: Whenever we make a UPI payment or receive money, we often share our UPI ID. Many people worry that if someone else gets hold of their UPI ID, that person might withdraw money from their bank account. If you share this concern, there is no need to worry. No one can withdraw money from your bank account simply by knowing your UPI ID. A UPI ID is essentially a digital address used for sending and receiving money; think of it like an email address. Just because someone knows your email address doesn’t mean they can log in to your email account.
Can money be withdrawn directly from a bank account using a UPI ID?
No one can debit money from your bank account just by having your UPI ID, mobile number, or QR code details. Money is deducted from your account only when you personally approve a transaction and enter your UPI PIN. This security layer protects your bank account from unauthorized payments. Therefore, simply sharing your UPI ID with someone cannot result in your bank account being drained.
Then how does UPI fraud occur?
The real danger lies not in sharing the UPI ID, but in falling for the tricks of cyber fraudsters and approving a payment yourself. Scammers often contact people by posing as bank officials or customer care representatives. Instead of sending money, they might send you a ‘Collect Request’—essentially a payment request.
This is where people often make a mistake. A scammer might ask you to approve a request sent to your phone or enter your UPI PIN in order to receive money. However, by doing so, you unknowingly grant them permission to withdraw money from your bank account.
No UPI PIN is required to receive money.
This is the most important point to remember. You do not need to enter a UPI PIN or OTP to receive money. A UPI PIN is required only when money is being debited from your bank account and you are authorizing a transaction.
Therefore, be cautious if someone claims that entering a UPI PIN is necessary to receive money, get a refund, or accept a payment; you could be the target of a scam.
Sharing your UPI ID is safe, but never disclose these details.
Sharing your UPI ID is safe because it allows others to send you money. However, you should never share your UPI PIN, OTP, internet banking password, or other banking details with anyone. Do not provide these personal details to anyone—even if they claim to represent a bank or payment app—who asks for them via phone calls, SMS, or messaging apps.
Exercise caution with QR codes and payment links as well.
Be careful not only with your UPI ID but also with QR codes and payment links received from strangers. Cyber fraudsters often pressure victims to act quickly by promising rewards or refunds, or by claiming that an account needs to be saved from closure. Do not rush in such situations. Before approving any request, read it carefully and verify whether money is being credited to your account or debited from it.
Just remember this one thing about UPI IDs.
UPI IDs are used for sending and receiving money, so sharing one is not inherently risky. The danger arises when someone tricks you into approving a “Collect Request” or obtaining your UPI PIN and OTP. Remember: you can share your UPI ID, but never your UPI PIN or OTP. If someone asks you to enter your PIN in order to receive money, be immediately alert; otherwise, your account could be drained in minutes.
