In a simple fake UPI QR trick, the QR code points to a different payee than the one you expected. It may be pasted over a real shop QR, sent in a WhatsApp chat, placed near a parking booth, or shown during a fake refund conversation.
Where this can happen
- A shop counter has many QR stickers, and one sticker belongs to someone else.
- A parking helper asks you to scan a QR from their phone instead of the official board.
- A delivery or marketplace chat sends a QR and says it is for refund verification.
- A WhatsApp offer says scan this UPI QR to receive cashback.
What the QR can contain
A UPI QR may include payee VPA, payee name, amount, currency, and note. If the amount is prefilled or the receiver name looks unrelated, treat that as a reason to pause.
Important UPI habit
Entering your UPI PIN authorises payment. Do not enter it because someone says it is needed to receive a refund, prize, cashback, KYC approval, or account unlock.
Before paying, check these
- Receiver name in your payment app.
- UPI ID or VPA shown after scanning.
- Amount and payment note.
- Whether the person is rushing you.
- Whether the QR came from an official board, bill, or trusted payment device.
ScanRaksha on Google Play can preview UPI QR details before you continue to the payment app, so you get one more chance to notice the receiver and amount.