Fake payment apps are designed to look just like real ones. They copy everything—from the user interface and colour scheme to the overall design—so well that it’s hard to tell them apart at first glance.
To make the scam more convincing, some of these apps even play fake notification sounds, like a beep or chime, to make it seem like a payment has gone through. They can also show fake transaction details that appear real, making it tough to spot the fraud right away.
Fraudsters use fake payment apps to convince unsuspecting victims that a transaction has been completed. In reality, these fake apps merely simulate the payment process, leaving the victim to discover only later that the transaction was fabricated.
Always verify transactions through your payment app or bank account. Do not rely solely on screenshots or notifications.
Look for discrepancies in the transaction details. Fake apps may contain subtle errors or inconsistencies that can alert you to a scam.
Be wary of individuals who rush you into completing a transaction without giving you enough time for proper verification.
Familiarise yourself with legitimate payment apps commonly used in your region. If someone presents a payment through an unfamiliar app, proceed with caution.
Merchants have increasingly become targets of fake payment apps. Fraudsters take advantage of the chaos in a busy shop or a merchant’s divided attention to deceive them. The merchant ends up offering goods or services at a loss due to the scam.
Ensure all employees are aware of this scam and know how to identify fraudulent transactions.
Establish a standard process for verifying payments before providing goods or services. This might include waiting for payment confirmation from your PhonePe smart speaker (fake apps cannot trigger these alerts), checking the transaction ID, or confirming payment with your payment processor.
If you encounter a suspected fake payment app, report it to the relevant authorities and your payment processor immediately.
PhonePe is actively combating fraudulent apps and channels impersonating its brand. The company has taken proactive legal action by approaching the Madras High Court to seek a ‘John Doe’ injunction order, aimed at preventing infringements of its trademarks.
Following the lawsuit, the court has directed a social media platform to promptly address and remove any posts promoting fake payment apps upon receiving complaints from PhonePe.
If you have been duped by a fraudster via PhonePe, you can immediately report such scams through the PhonePe app or by calling the customer care numbers 080–68727374 / 022–68727374. You can also contact PhonePe through its official social media handles.
Adding further, you can report fraud at the nearest Cyber Crime Cell or file a complaint online at https://www.cybercrime.gov.in or contact the Cyber Crime Cell helpline at 1930. (With IANS Inputs)
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