Cyber Crime
New UPI Scam Alert: Police Advisory Reveals How to Stay Safe
The Cyber Crime Wing of Tamil Nadu Police has issued a warning about a new UPI scam, known as the “Jumped Deposit” scam, that exploits users’ trust and curiosity. Fraudsters send a small sum to victims’ accounts, triggering SMS alerts. When victims check their account balance, scammers initiate unauthorized withdrawals, often for higher amounts. The police urge users to be cautious and avoid entering PINs or verifying deposits from unknown sources.
The Cyber Crime Wing of Tamil Nadu Police has raised an alert about a sophisticated scam targeting UPI (Unified Payments Interface) users. Dubbed the “Jumped Deposit” scam, this fraudulent tactic preys on users’ curiosity and trust to execute unauthorized transactions.
The scam begins with fraudsters sending a small amount—typically around Rs 5,000—to the victim’s bank account via UPI. This unexpected deposit triggers an SMS notification, prompting the victim to check their account balance. As soon as the victim opens their banking app to verify the deposit, the scammer initiates a withdrawal request. In many cases, victims unknowingly approve the withdrawal by entering their PIN to validate the deposit. The amount withdrawn is often significantly higher than the initial deposit.
How the Scam Works
- Step 1: Scammers deposit a small amount into the victim’s account.
- Step 2: An SMS alert encourages the victim to check their account balance.
- Step 3: Victims, out of curiosity, open their banking app and enter their PIN.
- Step 4: Fraudulent withdrawal requests are approved, resulting in the loss of funds.
Officials explained that scammers exploit the human tendency to trust unsolicited transactions and seek clarity. “Curiosity is the key element here. Once the victim enters their PIN, it becomes easy for fraudsters to siphon off larger amounts,” said a spokesperson for the Tamil Nadu Police.
Public Advisory
The Tamil Nadu Police have issued a list of precautions to safeguard against this scam:
- Wait and Verify: Refrain from checking your bank balance immediately after receiving an unexpected deposit. Waiting for 15-30 minutes allows the withdrawal request to expire.
- Use Incorrect PINs: Entering a wrong PIN when prompted can cancel any unauthorized transaction attempts.
- Contact Your Bank: Report any suspicious deposits to your bank to verify their authenticity.
- Do Not Share Personal Information: Avoid sharing sensitive details like PINs or OTPs with anyone, even if prompted by someone posing as a bank official.
Victim Support and Reporting
The National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal has received multiple complaints regarding this scam. Victims are urged to report incidents promptly either through the portal or by visiting the nearest cybercrime police station. Early reporting helps authorities take swift action and prevent further misuse.
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