Pusaram

Payment request and QR code tricks

You are told to scan a QR code or approve a request in order to receive money.

How it works

  • A buyer says they have paid you, or a stranger says they will send you a refund or deposit. They ask you to scan a QR code or approve a 'collect' request.
  • In reality, scanning a QR or approving a request takes money out of your account.
  • In India's UPI system, a PIN is entered only to pay. You never enter a PIN to receive money.

Warning signs

  • 'Scan this to receive your payment'.
  • A request to enter your PIN to receive money.
  • A payment request from an unknown person with an urgent message.
  • A small test payment 'to verify your account'.

What to do

  • Never enter your PIN to receive money. Decline unexpected requests.
  • Check your balance in your own app, not from a screenshot someone sends.
  • Pay only when you are the one who wants to pay, and read the name shown before you confirm.

A made-up example of what you might hear

'I sent the advance. It is showing pending on my side. Please scan this QR and enter your PIN so that the amount is released to you.'

If you already paid or shared a code

  • Call your bank or card issuer straight away and ask them to block the card, account or payment. Use the number on the card or the official website.
  • Change passwords for any account that may be affected, starting with email and banking. Turn on two-step verification.
  • Report it to the authorities (see the list below). Keep screenshots, phone numbers, account details, transaction IDs and times.

Where to report

Author and editorial reviewer: Prashant Nandkishor Maheshwari, 2026-10-18. Education only. Rules and reporting channels differ by country.