Hyderabad Police Warn of Fake UPI Payment Scams
HYDERABAD: With Bakrid approaching, the purchase of goats and sheep has increased across markets and major roads in the city and suburban areas. Taking advantage of the rush, fraudsters are cheating livestock traders using fake payment applications, according to Hyderabad Police Commissioner V. C. Sajjanar.
The Commissioner said on Tuesday that two such fraud cases were recently registered within the limits of the Rajendranagar and Kanchanbagh police stations.
In the Kanchanbagh case, six persons arrived on three two-wheelers, purchased livestock worth ₹68,000 and claimed to have transferred the amount through UPI. In Rajendranagar, four persons took away sheep after allegedly making a payment of ₹48,000.
The accused showed fake payment confirmations generated through fraudulent applications, convincing traders that the money had been credited to their accounts. Owing to the crowd and business rush, the traders did not immediately verify the transactions. They later checked their bank accounts and realised that no money had been credited. The victims subsequently approached the police, Sajjanar said.
Fraudsters use fake apps to display payment success
Police said fraudsters are creating fake versions of UPI payment platforms such as PhonePe, Google Pay and Paytm. After purchasing goats or sheep, they display fabricated payment-success screens on their mobile phones and gain the confidence of traders.
By the time traders realise that the transaction is fraudulent, the offenders disappear with the livestock.
Police advised traders not to rely solely on screenshots or payment-success messages displayed on a buyer’s phone. They should verify payments through official bank SMS alerts or by checking their bank accounts and banking applications before handing over goods.
Police caution against cheap meat sale offers
Police also warned the public against gangs that cheat people in the name of Qurbani by offering meat at unusually low prices.
In previous incidents, some groups collected money from hundreds of people after promising home delivery of meat. The fraud came to light only after victims realised they had been cheated and approached the police.
