Beware of new tactics used by UPI fraudsters! Here’s how they target your mobile phone.

As UPI-based payments rise, so do the scams associated with them. A new scam has recently emerged where victims' phones are made to freeze.

Since the advent of online payments, scammers have become increasingly bold. Their methods are constantly evolving. A new UPI scam has surfaced that allows money to be stolen from accounts without requiring an OTP. In this scam, you receive a message containing an unknown link; opening it causes your phone to freeze completely.

Do not mistake this freezing issue for a routine technical glitch. According to an NDTV report, cyber experts believe fraudsters exploit this situation to intimidate victims and gain unauthorized access to their phones.

How does this fraud occur?

This fraud typically begins with a message, notification, or phone call. Fraudsters inform the victim that their phone has developed a major issue. Posing as technical support staff, they offer to resolve the problem. They then ask the victim to download a specific app—often disguised as a tool for verification, cashback, rewards, or customer support.

Once installed, the app requests various permissions—common practice for many apps—which users often grant without hesitation. These may include access to SMS, notifications, and accessibility features. With these permissions, fraudsters can monitor phone activity and, in some cases, even control the screen. This is how the scam operates.

How can you avoid this scam?

If you encounter such a sudden issue with your phone, do not panic or blindly follow instructions from others. Instead, exercise caution. Here is what you should do if this happens:

Do not enter any bank details or UPI PINs.
Immediately turn off mobile data and Wi-Fi.
Check for recently installed apps.
Promptly remove any suspicious apps from your phone.
Revoke unnecessary permissions granted to apps.
Scan your phone using a trusted security app.

What if your banking information is compromised?

If you suspect that your banking details have reached fraudsters, contact your bank's official customer care immediately. Review recent bank transactions and update essential passwords and other information using a secure device. If you have fallen victim to cyber fraud or suspect a scam, report the incident—along with any evidence—to the cybercrime helpline at 1930 immediately.