Digital Payment Fraud: UPI Auto-Pay Scam Emerges as Hackers’ New Weapon — Here’s How to Stay Safe

Updated: 23-06-2025, 10.29 PM

Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has revolutionized digital transactions in India, making it faster and easier for users to transfer funds, pay bills, and manage subscriptions. Today, crores of Indians rely on UPI for everyday payments, which is why the volume of monthly UPI transactions is hitting record highs.

UPI

However, with growing usage comes growing risk. Cybercriminals are now targeting unsuspecting users through a new type of scam called the ‘UPI Auto-Pay Request Scam’. If you are a UPI user, understanding this new threat is crucial to protect your hard-earned money.

What Is the UPI Auto-Pay Feature?

The UPI Auto-Pay feature was designed for convenience — allowing users to set up recurring payments for services like mobile recharges, OTT subscriptions (Netflix, Hotstar, etc.), utility bills, or investments like SIPs. You approve the mandate once, and payments get deducted automatically on schedule, helping you avoid late fees or service interruptions.

But in recent months, scammers have started abusing this convenience — using the feature as a tool to siphon money from victims’ accounts without their knowledge.

How the ‘UPI Auto-Pay Request Scam’ Works

Cybersecurity experts have flagged several techniques that fraudsters are using to trap people:

Fake Links via SMS, Email, or Social Media
You may receive an innocent-looking message with a link. Once clicked, it activates an auto-pay request disguised as a subscription or offer. If approved, recurring debits start from your bank account.
Impersonation Calls from Fake Bank or UPI Representatives
Fraudsters pose as officials from your bank or UPI app. They ask you to enter your PIN under the pretense of ‘verifying your account’ or ‘activating new features.’
Luring With Cheap Subscriptions
An offer for a dirt-cheap Netflix or Amazon Prime subscription could be a scam. Once you make the first payment, you unknowingly approve recurring deductions.
Loan or Reward Scams
You may be promised instant loans or gift cards — but the request actually triggers auto-pay approvals instead.

What To Do If You Fall Into This Trap

If you’ve accidentally approved an auto-pay request from a fraudster, act fast:

Immediately report the fraud to your bank or UPI app through the ‘Report Fraud’ or ‘Raise Dispute’ option.
Lodge a written complaint with your bank — either via email or by visiting the branch.
You can also call the national cybercrime helpline (1930) or file a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in.

Can You Get Your Money Back?

That depends on how quickly you act. If you report the incident promptly with proper evidence (such as screenshots of fraudulent requests or bank statements), banks and UPI providers are usually cooperative — and your chances of getting a refund improve significantly.

How To Stay Safe from UPI Auto-Pay Scams

✅ Never click on links from unknown SMS, emails, or social media DMs
✅ Do not share your UPI PIN with anyone — no bank or UPI employee will ever ask for it
✅ Carefully review all auto-pay requests before approving
✅ Install security patches and anti-virus software on your phone
✅ Enable SMS/email alerts for every debit transaction

Conclusion

UPI Auto-Pay is a convenient feature — but one that must be used carefully. With scammers finding new ways to exploit digital platforms, staying informed is your best defense. Be vigilant, verify requests, and if in doubt, always contact your bank before taking action. Remember — prevention is better than cure in the world of digital fraud.

Author Profile

Kuldeep Singh Chundawat: My name is Kuldeep Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.