Check before you pay
Scam or safe?
Eight real situations. Decide, then see why.
Situation 1 of 8
You're selling a sofa online. The buyer says, “I'll pay the advance — just scan this QR I'm sending and enter your PIN to receive it.”
Situation 2 of 8
At a tea stall you scan the code on the counter. Your app shows “RAMESH KUMAR” — the stall owner's name — before you enter the PIN.
Situation 3 of 8
A request pops up in your UPI app: “Electricity Board — ₹1,850 — approve to avoid disconnection tonight.” You didn't start it.
Situation 4 of 8
A caller from “your bank” says your KYC expires today and asks for the 6-digit code that just arrived by SMS.
Situation 5 of 8
Your friend asks for ₹2,000 on WhatsApp from their usual number, then calls you so you hear their voice before you pay.
Situation 6 of 8
A text says: “Congratulations! ₹10,000 cashback credited. Click here and enter your UPI PIN to claim.”
Situation 7 of 8
A shop's QR sticker looks slightly raised, as if pasted over another one. You scan it and the app shows an individual's name, not the shop's.
Situation 8 of 8
You set up a monthly AutoPay mandate for your streaming subscription from inside the streaming app.