In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, digital payment methods have become incredibly prevalent, leading to a decline in the use of physical cash. However, if you are one of the many individuals who rely on online payment systems like UPI, QR codes, phone numbers, or online banking for swift and convenient transactions, it’s crucial to be vigilant. Online payment fraud has surged in tandem with the rise in online transactions.
Online scams have become commonplace in India, much like in other parts of the world. These scams involve unlawful transactions carried out by cybercriminals or scammers, rather than the legitimate account holder. Their aim is to deceive individuals into divulging personal information, money, or granting access to their devices. To help you recover your funds after falling victim to such scams, here are a few recommended steps.
Here’s What You Should Do To Recover Money After UPI Fraud:
Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has revolutionized digital payments in India, allowing people to transfer money to bank accounts via their smartphones, becoming the preferred payment method for many. Despite its inherent security, UPI transactions can occasionally encounter errors, exposing users to potential fraud.
According to Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines, individuals falling prey to UPI fraud should begin by reporting the issue to their payment service provider, such as GPay, PhonePe, Paytm, or other UPI service providers. These providers have their support mechanisms to assist customers, allowing users to flag unauthorized transactions and request refunds.
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If the UPI service provider’s assistance proves insufficient, users have the option to file a complaint on the NPCI portal (npci.org.in) or with the bank that serves as their payment service provider (PSP). In cases where resolution remains elusive for 30 days, users can escalate the matter to the Banking Ombudsman and/or the Ombudsman for Digital Complaints. As per RBI guidelines, end-users can officially file complaints with the Ombudsman by submitting a written complaint via plain paper, sending it to the relevant office by post, fax, or hand delivery. Ombudsmen appointed by the RBI for digital transactions are responsible for addressing customer grievances.
