In this digital age, UPI (Unified Payments Interface) has made transactions very easy. However, along with this convenience, there are also some dangers. Scams related to UPI often come to light. Now, cyber criminals have found a new way to scam through UPI. This scam has raised concerns among common UPI users as well as cyber crime agencies. In this scam, cyber criminals first deposit a small amount into the user’s account and then cleverly trick them into returning a larger sum. This has been named the ‘Jumped Deposit Scam’. A few days ago, Tamil Nadu’s Cyber Crime Wing first detected this new scam. Tamil Nadu Cyber Crime Police has warned that not just unknown calls or links, but also sudden deposits into an account can be a sign of danger. So, today in the Cyber Literacy column, we will talk about the ‘Jumped Deposit Scam’. We will also find out: Question- What is Jumped Deposit Scam? Answer- This is a new UPI-based cyber fraud. In this, fraudsters deliberately transfer a small amount to the user’s bank account first, to get the user’s attention. When money arrives suddenly, people often open the UPI app to check the balance or to see where the money came from. During this time, fraudsters send a fake ‘UPI Money Request’. The user quickly enters the UPI PIN to check the balance. But unknowingly, they approve that payment request. As soon as the PIN is entered, a large amount is transferred from the account to the fraudster’s account. Question- How do cybercriminals execute the Jumped Deposit Scam? Answer- Suppose you suddenly receive a message that 50 rupees have been deposited in your account via UPI. To see this, you immediately open your bank app and enter your PIN to check the balance. During this time, the fraudster sends you a fake money request to send 500 rupees. Since you are already in the app, you don’t pay attention and, mistaking the request as legitimate, you enter your PIN again. This causes the entire 500 rupees to go into the fraudster’s account. Understand this with the graphic below- Question- Why do people easily fall for this scam? Answer- When money suddenly arrives in the account, people often go to the app to check the source and balance. Besides, because the UPI process is fast and easy, people accept money requests without paying attention. Cybercriminals take advantage of this haste and lack of digital knowledge. Users often do not understand that entering a PIN for both checking balance and sending money are different actions. This confusion and haste make the user a victim of the scam. Question- What precautions are necessary to avoid the Jumped Deposit Scam? Answer- To avoid this scam, UPI users need to exercise a little common sense and patience. Taking any hasty step after seeing a sudden amount in the account can lead to loss. For this, keep a few things in mind. Question- What precautions and considerations are necessary for the safe use of UPI? Answer- Vigilance and correct information are very important for the safe use of UPI. Haste in any digital transaction, trusting unknown calls/messages, and making payments without verification can lead to losses. Understand UPI usage safety tips from the graphic below- Question- Can fraud happen just by checking the balance? Answer- Cyber security advisor Rahul Mishra states that usually, fraud does not occur by just checking the balance. However, it is very important to remain vigilant during this time. If a fake money request comes at the same time and the user accepts it without paying attention, then fraud can occur. Question- What should be done if a call or message comes to return money? Answer- In such a situation, do not panic and react immediately. The best way is to directly contact your bank or UPI app’s customer care. Additionally, you can ask the caller to come to your nearest police station to collect the cash. If necessary, file a complaint on the cyber crime helpline. Question- What should be done immediately if one accidentally falls victim to a jumped deposit scam? Answer- Don’t panic in such a situation, take immediate action. Without delay, call your bank or UPI app’s customer care and inform them about the fraud. Immediately block all transactions. Along with this, call the National Cyber Crime Helpline (1930) or file a complaint on the https://cybercrime.gov.in/ portal. Remember, the sooner the report is filed, the higher the chances of getting your money back.
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