A New UPI Scam You’ve Probably Never Heard Of — And It Can Empty Your Account Without OTPs or Links

India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has made digital payments fast, simple, and nearly universal. From street vendors to large retailers, millions rely on it every day. But as UPI becomes more deeply woven into daily life, fraudsters are quietly developing smarter and more subtle ways to exploit it.

One such method, now surfacing across the country, is the “Jumped Deposit” scam—a form of fraud that doesn’t involve fake links, malware apps, or even OTP theft. Instead, it cleverly manipulates users into authorising payments themselves, using entirely legitimate UPI features.

What makes this scam especially dangerous is that everything appears genuine—right up to the moment money disappears from your account.

What Exactly Is the ‘Jumped Deposit’ Scam?

Unlike conventional frauds where criminals try to pull money out of your account directly, this scam begins by putting money into your bank account first.

Here’s how it starts:

A scammer sends a UPI transfer—often ₹5,000 or more—into your account.

Soon after, you receive a call or message claiming the transfer was accidental.

The sender politely asks you to “return” the money.

Since the amount is actually credited, most people assume it’s a genuine mistake and try to help. That trust is precisely what the scammer exploits.

How the Scam Traps You Step by Step

The fraud hinges on confusion about how UPI works:

1️⃣ Unexpected Credit

You receive a legitimate-looking UPI credit. No alerts, no red flags.

2️⃣ Follow-Up Call or Message

The sender contacts you, sounding anxious or urgent, asking for the money back.

3️⃣ Fake “Refund” Setup

While you’re checking your balance or transaction history, the scammer sends a “collect” or payment request.

4️⃣ The Critical Mistake

Believing the request is part of the refund or balance verification process, you enter your UPI PIN.

5️⃣ Money Is Debited

By entering your PIN, you unknowingly approve a debit, often for an amount much larger than what was originally credited.

🔴 Important truth many users don’t know:

👉 UPI never requires a PIN to receive money.

👉 A PIN is needed only when money leaves your account.

Why This Scam Works So Well

No fake apps or phishing links

No OTP requests

No malware

Uses real UPI transactions

Exploits user goodwill and urgency

Because everything appears official, victims don’t realize they’ve been scammed until it’s too late.

How to Stay Safe from the Jumped Deposit Scam

✅ Don’t Act Immediately

If you receive an unexpected UPI credit, wait at least 15–30 minutes before opening your app. Many fraudulent requests expire automatically.

✅ Use the “Wrong PIN” Trick

If you must open your UPI app immediately, intentionally enter the wrong PIN once. This cancels any active debit requests without moving money.

✅ Remember This Golden Rule

No refund, balance check, or incoming payment ever needs a UPI PIN.

✅ Talk to the Bank — Not the Caller

Always verify unexpected credits through official bank customer care, not through numbers shared by the sender.

✅ Ignore Pressure Tactics

Scammers rush you so you don’t think. Slow down. Legitimate mistakes can wait.

If You’ve Already Been Scammed — Act Fast

Time is critical. The sooner you respond, the better your chances of recovery.

🔹 Inform Your Bank Immediately

Request a transaction freeze and lodge a fraud complaint.

🔹 Report to Cybercrime Authorities

File a complaint at the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal or visit your nearest cybercrime police station.

🔹 Alert Your UPI App Provider

Use the in-app support section or NPCI grievance system to report the fraud officially.

By - Aaradhay Sharma