Convener News Desk
Bandipora, June 13: District Police Bandipora has issued a public advisory alerting shopkeepers, service providers, and the general public about a rising trend in digital payment frauds involving the use of fake transaction confirmation screens, particularly through UPI apps like PhonePe and Google Pay.
According to the police, cyber fraudsters have adopted a new modus operandi where they deceive vendors by showing doctored or fake “payment successful” screens to make it appear that a digital payment has been completed. However, in reality, no money is actually transferred to the vendor’s account.
Spokesperson said the scammers often use screenshots or mobile applications that mimic genuine UPI interfaces, misleading unsuspecting shopkeepers and service providers into handing over goods or services without receiving any actual payment.
Explaining the method used by the fraudsters, the police said that these individuals typically make purchases and claim to pay through UPI apps. Instead of making the payment, they display a manipulated transaction success screen, which creates an illusion of payment. Relying on this fake confirmation, vendors hand over the goods, only to realize later that the payment was never received.
In response to the growing number of such incidents, the District Police has urged the public to remain vigilant and to not rely on the customer’s mobile screen for payment verification. Instead, vendors have been advised to check the payment status on their own UPI app, wait for an SMS alert from the bank, or confirm the receipt by checking their real-time account balance before handing over goods or services.
The advisory also encourages the public to report any suspected fraud to the nearest police station or the cyber crime cell. Incidents can also be reported through the National Cyber Crime Portal (www.cybercrime.gov.in) or by calling the Cyber Crime Helpline at 1930.
Police officials reiterated their commitment to safeguarding citizens from cyber threats and urged everyone to exercise caution while dealing with digital transactions.
