Small UPI credit from a stranger followed by a payment request
A stranger sends a small amount to your UPI account, then a request for a larger amount arrives, in the hope that you enter your PIN on it while you rush to check your balance.
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How it works
- Someone you do not know sends a small amount, from a few hundred to a few thousand rupees, to your account by UPI, and you get a credit alert.
- Soon after, a payment request or payment link for a larger amount reaches you, timed for when you are likely to open your UPI app to check the credit.
- Checking your balance on its own cannot release any money, but if you enter your UPI PIN on that request in a hurry, thinking it is the balance check, the larger amount leaves your account.
What it looks like
Example messages. Numbers and links are masked.
Rs 5,000 credited to your A/c XX3317 via UPI. Avl Bal Rs 12,640. (followed a minute later by a payment request or link for Rs 25,000)
Sir, I sent Rs 5,000 to you by mistake. I have sent you a link, please open it and enter your PIN so the money comes back to me.
Red flags
- Money from a stranger you were not expecting
- A screen showing a name, an amount and Pay
- A PIN screen you did not open yourself
- A call asking you to "approve" or "return" money
The one question to ask
Is the screen asking for your PIN showing someone's name, an amount and a Pay button?
Already paid or shared details?
Call 1930 at once: in the first hour the money can often still be frozen before it moves on. Then call your bank on the number printed on your card, and file a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in with screenshots of every message and payment.
1930 · cybercrime.gov.in
Also seen as
- "Sent by mistake, please return it" call after a small credit
- Small credit of stolen money that puts your account at risk
- Fake credit SMS sent from a mobile number