Scam alerts
UPI requests and QR codes
A buyer on OLX, a “refund”, or someone who sent money “by mistake” asks you to scan a QR code or approve a request to receive money.
What it looks like
Buyer (OLX chat)
Sir I am army officer, I will buy your sofa. I have sent payment request of ₹15,000 on your UPI, please accept and enter PIN to receive the money.
SCAMHow it works
- They send a “collect” request or a QR code and call it a payment to you.
- When you approve it with your UPI PIN, money leaves your account.
- They say it failed and send a bigger one.
Red flags
- You never need your UPI PIN or a QR scan to receive money. PIN is only for paying.
- A “Pay” or “Approve” button when you expect to be paid.
- “Sent by mistake, please return” messages: check your bank app first; often nothing came in.
What to do
- Decline the request. Never enter your PIN to receive money.
- Check your balance in your bank app, not in a screenshot they send.
- If money left, call 1930 and your bank immediately.