How to Spot Fake UPI Requests in Google Pay (and Avoid Losing Money)

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Fake UPI Requests: The Most Dangerous Trap in Google Pay

Digital payments have made life easy, but they have also given scammers a new way to reach your bank account. One of the most common tricks is the Fake UPI Money Request. If you don't know what to look for, you could lose money in seconds. Let's break down how to stay safe.

1. What is a UPI "Collect" Request?

In Google Pay, someone can send you a request to "Collect" money. While this is useful for splitting bills with friends, scammers use it to trick you. They send a request for a large amount (like ₹5,000) with a message saying "You won a prize" or "Refund for your order."

2. The PIN Trap

Here is the golden rule: You NEVER need to enter your UPI PIN to receive money. When you see a request and it asks for your PIN, it means you are SENDING money out of your account. Scammers hope you'll be too excited about the "prize" to notice the word "Pay."

3. Spotting a Fake Request

Check the sender's details. Does the UPI ID look official? Often, scammers use IDs like cashback.rewards@okaxis or govt.subsidy@upi. If you don't know the person or weren't expecting a request, it is almost certainly a scam. Google Pay often shows a "Spam" warning—never ignore it!

How to Deal with Fake Requests

Decline Immediately: Don't click "Pay." Click "Decline" as soon as you see a suspicious request.

Block the Sender: Once declined, use the 'Block' option to ensure that person can never send you a request again.

Report as Spam: Reporting help Google Pay identify the scammer and protects other users on the network.

💡 PRO TIP: Treat your 'Collect Requests' like a physical bill. Only 'Pay' if you actually owe that person money!

Watch the full video above for a visual guide on spotting these scam requests!