IMPORTANT NOTICE

Fraudsters exploit users by initially depositing small sums into UPI accounts to establish trust, before tricking them into transferring larger amounts.

The Tamil Nadu Police advise users to verify unexpected deposits and refrain from sharing their UPI PIN to safeguard against fraud.

Report any suspicious UPI transactions at once via the cybercrime portal, aiding authorities in tracking down the scammers.

UPI Fraud Awareness: The advent of technology has indeed revolutionized communication and online financial transactions, making them remarkably efficient. Numerous UPI applications now enable users to transfer funds in mere seconds. However, with this convenience, opportunistic scammers are perpetually on the lookout for new tactics to exploit unsuspecting individuals. Recently, authorities have alerted the public regarding a new deceitful technique termed the Jumped Deposit Scam, specifically targeting UPI users.

To elucidate, in this scam, fraudsters initiate the scheme by transferring a small amount of money to the victim’s UPI account, thereby attempting to earn their trust. After establishing this false rapport, they go on to dupe the victim into transferring significantly larger amounts. In light of the increasing frequency of such scams, the Tamil Nadu Police have been proactive in issuing a caution for users to remain vigilant. Here’s an overview of how this fraudulent activity typically unfolds.

How the Scam Works:

The mechanics of the scam are fairly straightforward. Scammers usually send a nominal sum of money to the target’s UPI account. Shortly after, they will contact the victim, claiming they mistakenly sent the money and asking for a larger amount to be repaid, often weaving a fabricated story to justify their request. Caught up in the conversation, the victim might check their UPI notifications and then unwittingly click on the payment link provided by the fraudster. In the heat of the moment, they may end up entering their UPI PIN, resulting in a significant financial loss when they realize the amount transferred versus what they retained.

For further information, you can read about related tech updates: Apple iPhone SE 4 launch details and anticipated changes.

Ways to Shield Your Finances:

If you find yourself receiving calls of this nature, it’s essential to adhere to the following safety measures:

1. Check Your Balance: Always verify your account balance before responding to claims about funds being sent to you. Confirm that you actually received any amount before engaging further.
2. Use an Incorrect PIN: If you feel rushed to check your account balance during a suspicious call, input a different PIN as a precaution. This can prevent unauthorized payment requests from proceeding while you gather more information.
3. Do Not Disclose Your UPI PIN: Never share your UPI PIN in response to unsolicited requests, particularly from unfamiliar parties. Protecting this information is crucial.

If you come across any dubious calls or messages, report them immediately on the cybercrime portal or to relevant authorities. Being proactive can help mitigate risks and contribute to the greater effort in curtailing these scams.