UPI Scam Warning — What began as a simple ₹1 UPI transaction for app assistance turned into a devastating financial scam for 55-year-old Subhash Chandra Bala from Chandpurpally near Kolkata Airport. The man ended up losing ₹5 lakh in just a few minutes after falling prey to a fraudster posing as a customer care executive from a digital payment platform.
UPI Scam Warning: The Scam Unfolded
According to Bala’s complaint, the fraud occurred on December 31, 2024, when he faced issues while making a payment through a popular UPI app. Searching online for help, he dialed a phone number that appeared under a “customer care” listing.
The person on the other end of the call asked him to install RustDesk, a remote access application that allowed the scammer to take control of Bala’s phone. The fraudster then convinced Bala to make a “test payment” of ₹1—during which he discreetly recorded Bala’s UPI PIN.
Immediately after the test, ₹98,499 was debited from Bala’s account.
When Bala contacted the same number again to demand a refund, the caller instructed him to provide another bank account number. Trusting the person again, Bala complied—only to watch another ₹4 lakh disappear.
Police Action
Following Bala’s complaint, the Airport Police launched an investigation and arrested Sudhanshu Saha, a 21-year-old from Kalyani. Authorities have booked him under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Information Technology Act, including:
- Section 420 (Cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property)
- Section 406 (Criminal breach of trust)
- Section 66C of IT Act (Identity theft using credential theft)
Key Red Flags That Victims Should Watch For
| Suspicious Activity | What It Actually Means |
|---|---|
| Asking to install remote-access apps | Attempts to control your phone and access sensitive data |
| ₹1 test payments | Trick to capture UPI PIN or mimic user input |
| Requesting additional account info | Trap to repeat the scam through other accounts |
| Fake “Customer Care” on Google | SEO manipulation or fraudster-paid listings |
How to Protect Yourself
India’s growing digital payment landscape is increasingly targeted by scammers using impersonation and remote access tools. Here’s how you can protect yourself:
- Never install apps like AnyDesk, RustDesk, or TeamViewer unless advised by a verified source.
- Use only official websites or app support pages to contact customer care.
- Never share UPI PINs, OTPs, or account numbers over the phone.
- Avoid links or calls from unsolicited sources.
- Report suspicious numbers or incidents immediately.
Where to Report
Victims of such scams can report the incident through the following platforms:
- National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal
https://cybercrime.gov.in - Helpline Number: 1930 (Cyber Financial Fraud Helpline)
- RBI Awareness Page (Sachet)
https://sachet.rbi.org.in - UPI Fraud Safety by NPCI
https://www.npci.org.in/what-we-do/upi/fraud-awareness
Not an Isolated Incident
This scam isn’t a one-off. Digital crimes involving UPI, banking apps, and impersonation have been on the rise:
- Users have lost lakhs while trying to claim refunds or rewards.
- Other scams have posed as courier services, tax officers, or even police under false pretexts of investigation.
- The Cyber Cell of Kolkata Police has received over 2,000 such complaints in the last six months alone.
Final Word
This case underscores how quickly things can spiral out of control with just one click and misplaced trust. Digital convenience comes with the responsibility of constant vigilance. Even a ₹1 mistake can cost lakhs—unless users stay alert, verify sources, and report frauds early.
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