A UPI collect request looks like someone is sending you money — but accepting it means money LEAVES your account, not enters it. Scammers use this to trick people into “receiving” cashback, refunds, or verification payments. Here is why you should never accept an unknown collect request.
What Is This Scam?
A UPI collect request is a payment request where the requester asks YOU to authorise a payment FROM your account TO them. Scammers disguise this as a cashback confirmation, refund processing, or KYC verification step. The victim enters their UPI PIN thinking they are receiving money — but they are actually sending it directly to the scammer.
How It Works
- 1Scammer contacts victim via OLX, Quikr, or social media posing as a buyer or a bank representative.
- 2Claims to send payment and asks victim to “confirm receipt” by approving a UPI collect request.
- 3Victim receives a collect request notification and approves it, entering their UPI PIN as instructed.
- 4Money is debited from the victim’s account and transferred directly to the scammer.
- 5Scammer immediately blocks the victim and becomes completely unreachable.
⚠ Red Flags to Watch For
- Being asked to “approve” or “accept” a payment in order to receive money
- UPI PIN requested to “receive” a refund, cashback, or prize
- Stranger on OLX or Quikr rushing you to complete the payment immediately
- Receiving a collect request notification from an unknown UPI ID
- Any scenario where entering your PIN is presented as necessary to receive money
What to Do If You Are Targeted
Reject the collect request immediately — do not enter your UPI PIN under any circumstances. Remember that legitimate incoming payments never require your PIN to be entered. If you have already lost money, call your bank’s helpline immediately and then call 1930. File a complaint on cybercrime.gov.in within 24 hours for the best chance of transaction reversal and fund recovery.
✅ Stay Safe Checklist
- You NEVER need your UPI PIN to receive money — if someone says you do, it is a scam
- Reject all collect requests from unknown or unrecognised UPI IDs
- Never share your UPI PIN with anyone — not even bank representatives
- On OLX and Quikr, insist on cash on delivery or a bank NEFT transfer — never UPI collect
- Enable SMS alerts on your bank account to catch unauthorised transactions immediately