Fraudsters are targeting UPI users and emptying their bank accounts through "jumped deposit scams" where they first gain their trust by sending small amounts. Authorities have warned of this growing threat.

Digital payments are growing rapidly in India, and UPI has become a major component. However, as digital transactions increase, new methods of cyber fraud are also emerging. Recently, a new scam, the "Jumped Deposit Scam," has emerged, shocking people. The Tamil Nadu Cyber Crime Police has issued a warning regarding this scam and urged people to be vigilant.

How Jumped Deposit Scam Works

In this scam, the fraudsters first send a small amount, such as ₹50 or ₹100, to your bank account via UPI. When you receive this money, you're naturally surprised and check your balance. This is when the scam begins. As soon as you enter your banking app and enter your UPI PIN, the fraudsters send you a payment request. This request usually comes with some excuse, such as "I sent the money by mistake, please refund it." If you unthinkingly approve this request and enter your PIN, a large amount is deducted from your account.

Let us understand with a simple example

Suppose ₹50 arrives in your account. To check, you immediately open the app and enter your UPI PIN. Meanwhile, a fraudster sends a request for ₹500. You think it's a request for the same amount, but it's actually a separate transaction. As soon as you enter your PIN and approve it, ₹500 is deducted from your account. This way, the fraudster sends ₹500 and withdraws ₹500, making a profit of ₹450.

What are the agencies saying?

The Tamil Nadu Cyber Crime Police have issued a clear warning about this scam, stating that the number of such cases is constantly increasing. Furthermore, complaints of this nature are also increasing on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. Officials advise that if money comes into your account from an unknown person, be alert immediately.

How to protect yourself

To avoid such scams, a few simple precautions are crucial. If money suddenly appears in your account, wait 15 to 30 minutes instead of immediately checking your balance, as fraudulent requests often expire during this time. If you must check immediately, enter a false PIN to prevent any transaction from processing. Most importantly, never share your UPI PIN with anyone. Furthermore, always confirm any unknown transactions with your bank to avoid fraud.

What to do if you become a victim of a scam

If you've fallen victim to this scam, it's crucial to take immediate action. First, file a complaint with your nearest cybercrime police station. You can also file a complaint online through the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal. Also, immediately inform your bank about this fraudulent transaction so that further action can be taken.

PC:Zeenews