Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has made it very easy for people to send money and pay bills. Now anyone can transfer lakhs of rupees in just a few seconds. This is the reason why record-breaking transactions are taking place every month. But as its use is increasing, cases of fraud are also coming to the fore rapidly. Cyber thugs are trying to empty people’s accounts by adopting new tricks. Recently a new scam has come to light, which is being called ‘UPI Auto-Pay Request Scam’.
In this, fraudsters deceive people and deduct money from their bank account and the victim does not even get a clue. In such a situation, if you also use UPI, then it is very important to know about this new scam so that you can also be alert and save your hard-earned money.
What is the UPI Auto-Pay Feature
UPI Auto Pay Feature is especially for those people who pay the same amount every month, such as mobile recharge, Netflix subscription, or investment in mutual funds. In this, you have to approve once and the money is automatically deducted on the due date. This eliminates the fear of late fees or service stoppage.
But scammers have made this feature a trap. Now taking advantage of this feature, cyber thugs are running the ‘UPI Auto-Pay Request Scam’. They deceive people and get the setting of repeated payment deductions approved.
How people get trapped in this fraud
According to cyber security experts, the thugs adopt many methods in this scam:
Fake link is sent on SMS, email, or social media. On clicking, the user approves auto-pay and money starts getting deducted from the account.
Scammers call posing as officials of the bank or UPI company and ask the user to enter the PIN.
Fraudsters lure you with a cheap subscription. Auto-pay gets activated as soon as the payment is made.
They get the request approved by the user on the pretext of reward or loan approval.
What to do if you get caught in this trap
If you accidentally fall prey to this scam, do not panic. Experts advise that you report the fraud to the bank or UPI app as soon as possible. There is an option of ‘Report Fraud’ or ‘Raise Dispute’ in the UPI app itself, complain from there immediately. Along with this, give a written complaint to the bank by email or by visiting the branch.
Can the money be returned?
It depends on how quickly you take action. There is a possibility of getting the money back with the right evidence and timely complaint. Banks and UPI service providers cooperate in such cases.