Cyber Literacy- Beware of UPI Auto Pay Scam: Always keep these 5 things in mind, do not accept unknown requests, understand the math of this scam

UPI (Unified Payments Interface) has made online transactions very easy. Now you can do transactions worth thousands and lakhs in just a few seconds. According to data released by the Ministry of Finance on February 28, 2025, the number of UPI transactions crossed 16.99 billion in January 2025. A total of more than ₹23.48 lakh crore was transacted in this. This is the highest number ever recorded in any month.

With the increasing use of UPI, cases of fraud related to it are also increasing rapidly. A new scam has been added to the cases of fraud coming to light every day - 'UPI Auto-Pay Request Scam'. In this scam, scammers can deceive users and steal money from their bank accounts. Therefore, there is a need to be alert and cautious about this scam.

So let's talk about 'UPI auto-pay request scam' in today's ' Cyber Literacy ' column. Also, we will know that-

• How do scammers trap people into this scam?
• How to avoid UPI auto pay request scam?

Expert: Rahul Mishra, Cyber Security Advisor, Uttar Pradesh Police

Question- What is UPI Auto Pay feature?

Answer- UPI Auto Pay feature works on recurring payments. Recurring payment is a payment that is made automatically at fixed intervals such as monthly, quarterly or yearly. In this, the user gives permission once and after that the payment is made automatically at the fixed time. With the advent of this feature, the payment of permanent expenses every month like mobile recharge, mutual fund investment, credit card bill payment or OTT subscription plan becomes automatic without missing the dates. Its biggest advantage is that it saves from late fees and service dips.

Question- What is UPI Auto Pay Scam?

Answer- In UPI auto-pay, money is deducted automatically. Taking advantage of this, cyber thugs can withdraw money from people's bank accounts without their knowledge by sending 'auto-pay requests'. In this scam, fraudsters entice any person to accept recurring payment through UPI auto-pay.

Question- What are the different methods of UPI Auto Pay Scam?

Answer- Cyber expert Rahul Mishra says that in UPI auto-pay scam, scammers can trap people in different ways. Such as-

• Cybercriminals can send fake links via messages, emails or on social media. When the user clicks on this link and approves UPI auto-pay, his money starts getting deducted.
• Scammers may call posing as bank or UPI customer care officials. They ask the user to enter the UPI PIN to activate auto-pay. Once the PIN is entered, scammers can withdraw money from the user's account.
• Some scammers lure users with fake apps or websites promising cheap subscriptions. When a user makes the payment, the money is set to be deducted from his bank account every month.
• Scammers can get auto-pay activated by luring the user with the promise of cashback, rewards or loan approval. When the user accepts the request to avail the offer, the money starts getting deducted.

Question- If UPI Auto Pay scam happens, can the money be recovered?

Answer- Cyber expert Rahul Mishra explains that its possibility depends on the steps taken by you and the timely action taken. If you file a complaint quickly, then the chances of getting your money back increase. For this, contact the bank or UPI service provider immediately. Go to the UPI app and choose the 'Report Fraud' option and immediately complain about the transaction. Give a written complaint to the bank by email or by visiting the branch. Use the 'Raise Dispute' option in the UPI app. Most UPI apps have the option of "Raise Dispute", from where you can file a dispute. If it is a fraud transaction and it can be proved, then you can get the money back from the bank or UPI service provider.

Question-Can UPI Auto Pay be stopped completely?

Answer: Auto-pay feature gets activated only when the user himself gives permission for it. If you don’t like this feature, you can turn it off from your UPI app or cancel unwanted subscriptions.

Question: Does an alert come on every auto-pay request?

Answer- Yes, whenever a new UPI auto-pay request comes, a notification comes on most apps and you are asked for manual approval. Therefore, it is important not to accept any request in a hurry. If you find any request suspicious, then reject it.

Question- What to do if auto pay request is approved by mistake?

Answer- If you have mistakenly accepted a suspicious request, then immediately cancel that recurring payment by going to the UPI app. Also inform your bank and app's customer care and check your UPI settings.

A private employee in Hyderabad was duped of Rs 1.60 crore through Telegram on the pretext of double returns in Bitcoin.

PC: Dainik Bhaskar