Google Pay Scam Alert: How Fraudsters are Exploiting the Platform

Digital payments are now routine across India, which is why the Google Pay scam has become a favoured route for criminals who prey on hurried decisions and unfamiliar features. A single careless tap can trigger a collect request, expose sensitive details, or authorise an outgoing transfer. The scale of UPI usage means offenders continually refine their tricks, often dressing up messages and links to make them appear completely legitimate.

In this article, you will explore how these scams work, who gets targeted, how Google Pay authentication actually functions, the red flags to watch for, practical safety steps, what to do if money goes missing, how to report, and brief real cases for quick reference.

How Google Pay Scams Work

Criminals usually rely on manipulation rather than hacking. Typical patterns include:

• Phishing links shared over SMS, WhatsApp or email that lead to fake support pages or KYC forms. Entering details triggers a collect request or pushes malicious apps. This is a common route for fraud through Google Pay, especially where mobile security habits are poor.
• Fake payment requests in which the offender claims a refund or prize is pending and asks for approval. Approving the request actually sends them money, a classic GPay scam pattern.
• QR code reversal, where a buyer asks the victim to scan a QR code to “receive” funds. Scanning initiates a payment out of the victim’s account.
• Remote access tools are pushed as “verification apps”. Once screen sharing is granted, the scammer watches the UPI PIN entry.
• Support or KYC updates pretending to be from a bank or the app. Victims are urged to complete steps within minutes to avoid account blocks.
• SIM swap in which the criminal ports a mobile number to a new SIM, intercepts OTPs, and attempts to take over an account.

Who are the Most Common Targets?

Here, you will explore who the most common targets are:

• New users who do not yet recognise the difference between a collect request and a credit, and are not adept at detecting phishing and fake apps.
• Elderly users who may trust authority figures on calls and find fast in-app prompts confusing, creating room for pay fraud.
• Small business owners who accept quick payments often scan unfamiliar QR codes under time pressure.
• Casual users who multitask and approve requests without reading on-screen text can lead to GPay fraud incidents.

How Authentication Works in Google Pay

Here you will explore how authentication works in Google Pay:

• Mobile number and device binding tie the account to a specific SIM and handset, helping to protect your mobile from unauthorised linking.
• One-Time Passwords are used for registration and device linking. OTPs are never required to receive money.
• UPI PIN authorises each collection request or outgoing transfer. This PIN is distinct from an ATM PIN or phone unlock code.
• App lock and biometrics add a layer of protection to the phone so a shoulder surfer cannot easily open the app.
• Notifications and statements provide a record of every debit.

Used correctly, these features reduce the risk of Google Pay fraud by ensuring only an authorised user approves a transfer.

Red Flags: How to Identify a Google Pay Scam

Treat every unexpected message as a Google Pay fraud alert until proven genuine. Warning signs include:

• Unknown contacts asking for urgent action, especially payments for “verification”. Treat this as a way to apply basic mobile security tips before responding.
• Links to pages that request card numbers, UPI PIN, or screenshots of OTPs.
• Requests to scan a QR code to receive money.
• Calls urging the installation of screen-sharing or remote-control apps.
• Messages that look like Google Pay spam, for example, mass-forwarded “prize” notifications.
• Payment requests that arrive without any purchase or service context.

Spotting even one of these signs is reason to stop, verify, and refuse approval. Many Google Pay scam attempts hinge on urgency.

Practical Tips to Keep Your Google Pay Payments Safe

Here are the practical tips:

• Verify the payer. Call back through a known number before approving any collect request.
• Read the screen. If it says “pay” or “debited”, stop, since receiving money never requires approval.
• Update apps and the OS to patch security bugs that can be abused in wider pay fraud campaigns.
• Never share OTPs or UPI PINs with anyone, including supposed bank or app staff.
• Use app lock and biometrics, plus a strong phone passcode.
• Avoid public Wi-Fi for authorising payments.
• Disable call forwarding and, where available, set operator-level SIM lock to deter SIM swaps.
• Check notifications and bank statements daily. Early detection limits losses.
• Set daily UPI limits so one mistake cannot drain an entire balance.
• Keep proof. Save UTR numbers, screenshots, and chat logs for reporting GPay scam attempts.

What to Do if You Become a Victim of Fraud

If you were thinking, “I got scammed on Google Pay”, act immediately:

• Block or change UPI settings via your bank’s helpline or net banking, then secure the phone with new locks.
• Call 1930 promptly and lodge a cybercrime report so banks in the chain can attempt to trace and hold funds.
• File a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in with full details, UTR, screenshots, and contact history.
• Inform your bank through official channels, request a formal dispute, and record the ticket or complaint number for any pay fraud investigation.
• If a SIM swap is suspected, contact the mobile operator to block the fraudulent SIM and have yours reissued.
• Change passwords for email, banking, and cloud accounts if any credentials were shared or typed during remote access.
• Save everything. Do not delete chats or emails related to the Google Pay scam.

To conclude, reinforce these steps by keeping devices updated, enabling strong app and screen locks, and using a reputable security suite like Quick Heal to help detect phishing links and unsafe apps while you resecure your accounts.

Reporting Fraudulent Transactions

Inside the app:

• Open Google Pay, go to your profile icon, select Help and support, and choose the relevant transaction.
• Use the in-app chat or call option to raise a ticket for Google Pay fraud review.
• Provide the UTR, date, amount, payer or payee name, and a brief description.
• If progress is slow, escalate through your bank’s grievance desk, then to the banking ombudsman, or to the NPCI dispute channel. This is often how Google Pay frauds complaints move forward.
• Keep copies of acknowledgements. Follow up regularly and stick to reference numbers rather than starting new threads.

A courteous, factual timeline and clear evidence improve the handling of Google Pay fraud cases.

Real-Life Cases of Google Pay Scams

Here are the real-life cases of Google Pay scams:

• Marketplace QR Trap: A seller was told a buyer would “send advance” and shared a QR code for the seller to scan. The scan initiated a debit, and the amount was instantly deducted. This was fraud through Google Pay dressed up as a quick sale.
• KYC Renewal Bait: A small business owner received a link warning of an account pause. Entering details triggered a collect request that was approved in a hurry, leading to GPay fraud.
• Remote Access Guidance: A caller claiming to be bank support persuaded a user to install a “helper” app, watched the user type the UPI PIN, then triggered payments. At the same time, the victim was distracted by instructions. A classic GPay scam variant.

Stay Alert, Stay Secure

The safest habit is slow, deliberate approval. Read every prompt, verify every request, and decline anything that feels off. Keep devices patched, lock the app, and set conservative limits. Treat any unexpected request as a Google Pay fraud alert and verify it through trusted channels.

A reputable security suite can help by blocking phishing pages, warning about risky APKs, and filtering links, thereby reducing exposure to Google Pay spam. However, it cannot authorise or reverse UPI payments on your behalf. Consistent vigilance limits the impact of any Google Pay scam.

If you’re in Bihar, check out our dedicated security solutions page to stay protected, Quick Heal Total Security for Bihar.