Cyber scam targets UPI users PhonePe customers at extra risk, warn TN cops

CHENNAI: The Cyber Crime wing of the Tamil Nadu Police issued a public warning about a new scam targeting Unified Payments Interface (UPI) users wherein multiple incidents of unauthorised bank transactions through UPI applications, particularly PhonePe, have been reported recently.

In November, seven complaints have been registered in Tamil Nadu through the National Cyber Crime Reporting portal.

“Victims have reported unexpected deductions from their bank accounts without their knowledge or consent via PhonePe. In all reported cases, the deducted amounts were transferred exclusively to Amazon Pay,” an official release stated.

Investigations into these unauthorised money debits through PhonePe revealed the use of a malicious app named ‘PM Kisan Yojna’. Police said this app was distributed via multiple channels, including WhatsApp, and gained control over user’s SMS and device permissions.

“Fraudsters intercept SMS traffic and use it to manipulate UPI applications. They use the intercepted data to register devices on UPI platforms, enabling unauthorised transactions. It also collects sensitive personal data, such as name, Aadhaar number, PAN, and date of birth, through a web form,” the release added.

“If you suspect that you have been a victim of similar fraudulent activity or have come across any suspicious activity, take immediate action,” TN police appealed to the general public. “Report the incident by dialling 1930 (toll-free helpline) or register a complaint at www.cybercrime.gov.in.”

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Report the incident by dialling 1930 (toll-free helpline) or register a complaint at www.cybercrime.gov.in

ADVISORY TO THE PUBLIC

· Monitor your bank account activity closely and report any unauthorised transactions immediately

· Avoid clicking on unknown links or responding to unsolicited messages or emails

· Refrain from sharing sensitive UPI credentials or OTPs under any circumstances

· Always use official apps and websites for financial transactions

· Always download applications only from official app stores like Google Play Store or Apple App Store, and avoid installing apps from unknown or unverified sources