A buyer asks you to scan a UPI QR code to "receive" payment
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.
Also known as: UPI QR scam, OLX scan-to-receive scam, reverse UPI payment fraud
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).
Red flags
- ⚠ 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
The UPI QR scam works because most people don’t know that UPI flows are one-way at the QR level. A QR code can ask for money (push from your account) but can never request to give you money. If anyone tells you “scan this QR to receive your payment,” they are either confused or scamming you.
If you have already scanned and entered your PIN: call your bank’s fraud line within minutes. UPI transactions can sometimes be reversed if reported within hours. Then file at cybercrime.gov.in and call 1930.
Known variants
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Army personnel pretext — buyer claims to be an Indian Army soldier posted at a remote base who cannot meet, sends a sob story, and asks for a 'token' payment via QR.
Last seen: 5/15/2026
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Buyer on OLX/Quikr/Facebook Marketplace claims to be Army, CISF, BSF, or paramilitary at a remote post; sends a fake military ID and pushes UPI 'army voucher' or QR. Scanning debits your account; a fake 'payment received' SMS may be sent to pressure you to ship the item.
Last seen: 5/15/2026