Beware of UPI Fraud: Why You Should Never Give Your Phone to Strangers for a ‘Quick Call’

In today’s digital age, UPI (Unified Payments Interface) has revolutionized the way we transfer money. With just a few taps, transactions are completed instantly. However, this convenience has also given rise to sophisticated frauds. One such scam involves strangers asking to use your phone for a “quick call.” What seems like a harmless request can lead to devastating financial losses.

This article explains how this UPI fraud works, real-life cases, and crucial precautions to safeguard your money.

How the ‘Quick Call’ UPI Fraud Works

Fraudsters use psychological manipulation to gain access to your phone. Here’s how the scam unfolds:

  1. The Distraction Technique
    • A stranger (often posing as a tourist or someone in distress) approaches you, asking to make an urgent call.
    • They may claim their phone is dead, lost, or out of network range.
  2. Gaining Access to Your Phone
    • Once you hand over your phone, they open your UPI app (PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm, etc.).
    • They may pretend to dial a number while secretly navigating to your banking app.
  3. Triggering a UPI Payment
    • Using the “collect request” feature, they send money from your account to theirs.
    • They quickly approve the transaction via your registered mobile number (OTP may not even be needed if the app is already logged in).
  4. Disappearing Without a Trace
    • After transferring money, they return your phone and vanish before you realize what happened.

Real-Life Cases of UPI Fraud via ‘Quick Call’ Scam

Several victims have reported losing thousands due to this scam:

  • Mumbai Case (2023): A man lost ₹50,000 after handing his phone to a “tourist” who claimed to need directions.
  • Delhi Incident (2024): A woman was duped of ₹25,000 when a stranger pretended to call a relative.
  • Bangalore Fraud (2024): Cybercriminals stole ₹1.2 lakh by exploiting the “collect request” feature in a victim’s UPI app.

These cases highlight how easily fraudsters exploit human kindness for financial theft.

Why This Scam is So Effective

  1. Preys on Good Samaritans – People hesitate to refuse help, making them easy targets.
  2. Quick Execution – The entire fraud takes less than a minute.
  3. No Immediate Alerts – Victims often realize the theft only after checking their bank balance.
  4. Difficulty in Tracing – Fraudsters use fake UPI IDs and burner phones.

How to Protect Yourself from UPI Fraud

Follow these safety measures to avoid falling victim:

✅ Never Hand Over Your Phone to Strangers – Politely refuse or offer to make the call on speaker mode.
✅ Use App Lock Features – Enable biometric/password protection for UPI and banking apps.
✅ Disable “Auto-Pay” or “One-Tap Payments” – Require authentication for every transaction.
✅ Monitor Bank Statements Regularly – Report unauthorized transactions immediately.
✅ Educate Family & Friends – Spread awareness about such scams.

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed?

  1. Block Transactions Immediately – Contact your bank and UPI service provider.
  2. File a Police Complaint – Provide details like UPI transaction ID, time, and location.
  3. Report to Cybercrime Portal – Visit https://cybercrime.gov.in to file a complaint.

Conclusion

UPI frauds are evolving, and scammers are using emotional manipulation to steal money. A simple act of lending your phone can result in significant financial loss. Stay vigilant, secure your UPI apps, and spread awareness to protect others.

Stay Safe, Stay Alert!