HIGH marketplace
Is “OLX scan-to-receive scam” a scam?
Yes — this is a known, dangerous scam.
When selling on OLX or marketplace, a "buyer" sends a QR code or UPI request and asks you to scan it to receive payment. UPI QR codes can only send money, never receive — scanning deducts from your account.
How to tell
- ⚠ Buyer insists you scan a QR code to receive money — this is technically impossible on UPI. Receiving money never requires scanning
- ⚠ Buyer asks you to enter your UPI PIN to 'verify the credit'. UPI PIN is only ever entered to send money
- ⚠ Conversation moves quickly from marketplace chat to WhatsApp
- ⚠ Buyer claims to be from the military or posted at a remote base and cannot meet in person
What to do right now
- 1 Never scan a QR code or enter your UPI PIN to RECEIVE money. UPI receive is automatic — no action needed
- 2 If the buyer pressures you to scan, walk away. Real buyers pay first, then collect the item
- 3 Take screenshots of the conversation and the QR code
- 4 If you have already lost money, call your bank's fraud line and your UPI app's support immediately
- 5 Report at https://cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930 (national cyber helpline).
Full guidance, red flags, variants & official sources
A buyer asks you to scan a UPI QR code to "receive" payment →