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Jumped Deposit Scam UPI: It serves as a stark reminder to stay alert in today’s digital financial landscape.
Cybercriminals are upping their game with a chilling new scheme targeting UPI users. (Representative image/courtesy: X/@Simple__Banda_)
Jumped Deposit Scam UPI: Cybercriminals have struck again, devising an ingenious new scam that preys on unsuspecting UPI users. This latest swindle, being dubbed the ‘Jumped Deposit Scam,’ is causing alarm across the nation as more and more victims report losing their hard-earned money.
How Jumped Deposit Scam UPI Operate?
The Devious Setup: In this scam, cybercriminals deposit small amounts of money into the victim’s bank account via UPI. This seemingly benign credit notification lures victims into checking their payment apps.
The Trap is Sprung: Once the victim notices the unexpected deposit, the fraudsters pounce. They send a ‘Collect Money’ request, tricking the victim into entering their UPI PIN for “validation.” But this validation is a ruse – instead, it authorizes an unauthorized debit from the victim’s account.
Warning from Authorities
Tamil Nadu Police have issued a warning following a surge in complaints on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. The police are urging the public to be vigilant and cautious if they receive unexpected UPI payments from unknown sources.
Protect Your Money
Two Crucial Steps to Safeguard Yourself:
Delay Checking Your Balance: If you receive a credit notification, wait for 15-30 minutes before checking your account balance. This delay gives fraudulent withdrawal requests time to expire, making any PIN entry useless to the scammer.
Enter an Incorrect PIN: If waiting isn’t feasible, intentionally entering an incorrect PIN can help. This action will effectively reject any pending transaction requests.
Immediate Actions to Take If You’ve Been Targeted
If you notice an unusual deposit in your bank account:
- Inform Your Bank: Report the unexpected credit to your bank to verify its authenticity.
- Report the Fraud: Victims must immediately report the scam to the nearest cybercrime police station or the cybercrime portal to help catch these fraudsters.
- National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal: Victims of the scam should act quickly. File a complaint with your nearest cybercrime police station or report the incident on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (www.cybercrime.gov.in). Swift reporting increases the chances of recovering stolen funds and prevents further exploitation.
As UPI continues to transform the way India transacts, scammers are evolving just as quickly. Be cautious, verify all unexpected credits, and remember: your UPI PIN is your last line of defense—don’t share it or enter it unless you’re 100% sure of the transaction.
The “Jumped Deposit Scam” serves as a stark reminder to stay alert in today’s digital financial landscape.