“Sir, Refund Aa Raha Hai” — and Your Money Is Gone
In Delhi NCR, OTP fraud and UPI reversal scams have become the most reported cyber offences. From a Kirari shopkeeper to a South Delhi senior citizen, victims often lose money within 2–5 minutes of a phone call.
The fraud does not rely on hacking systems; it exploits fear, urgency, and lack of digital awareness.
What Is OTP Fraud & UPI Reversal Scam? (In Simple Terms)
OTP fraud occurs when a criminal tricks you into sharing or approving a One-Time Password, allowing them to transfer money.
UPI reversal scams involve fraudsters pretending to send money back but actually authorising a debit from your account.
Understand the Key truth: Money is NEVER credited by sharing OTP or scanning QR codes.
No.1 Recent Scam: Digital Arrest Scam
How These Scams Commonly Happen in Delhi (With Examples)
Fake Refund / Reversal Calls
Fraudsters call pretending to be from:
• Bank
• Google Pay / PhonePe
• Amazon / Flipkart
They say: “₹3,500 refund pending hai, bas approve karna hoga.”
Delhi Example: In Dwarka Sector-7 (2024), a retired government officer approved a “refund request” on Google Pay and lost ₹48,000 within seconds.
Legal point: Approving a UPI request = authorising payment, not receiving it.
KYC Update Scam
Victims receive messages: “Your bank account will be blocked today due to incomplete KYC.”
They are asked to:
• Click a link
• Share OTP
• Download an app
Reality under RBI Rules: Banks cannot suspend accounts via SMS or calls without notice and never ask for OTP for KYC.
Delhi Cyber Cell Data: This scam is flourishing in the whole of Delhi, but more in Shahdara, Rohini, and outer Delhi zones, targeting elderly users.
Cyber Crime in Delhi: Complaint Procedure, Legal Remedies
Screen-Sharing App Scam (AnyDesk / TeamViewer)
Fraudsters say: “We will fix your payment issue. Please install this app.”
Once installed, criminals:
• See your screen
• Read OTPs
• Control phone remotely
Delhi Case Trend: Multiple complaints in Karol Bagh & Laxmi Nagar markets, especially among small traders.
Legal note: Installing such apps unknowingly is treated as fraud by trick, not consent.
Fake Merchant / Shopkeeper Payment Scam
Victims receive:
• Fake payment screenshots.
• Calls claiming “wrong transfer.”
• Pressure to “return money.”
Common victims: Vegetable vendors, chemists, and kirana stores in West & North Delhi.
Why Courts & Law Take OTP Fraud Seriously
Key Legal Position
Indian courts recognize that:
– Digital illiteracy exists
– Consent obtained by deception is invalid
– Technology imbalance must be considered
Relevant Case Law
Shreya Singhal v. Union of India (2015) – Supreme Court recognised that digital platforms must not exploit users’ lack of understanding.
State of Maharashtra v. Mohd. Yakub (Cyber Fraud Observations) – Fraud does not require physical force—deception/trick alone is enough.
RBI Circular on Customer Protection (2021–2023) – Banks must act swiftly once fraud is reported and assist victims.
What Banks Are Legally Required to Do
✔ Provide 24×7 fraud reporting
✔ Freeze beneficiary accounts on complaint
✔ Coordinate with cyber police
✔ Not blame victims mechanically
If a bank delays action, consumer forums and WRIT courts can be approached.
Immediate Steps for Victims in Delhi (Golden Hour Matters)
STEP 1: Inform Bank & UPI App
- Block account
• Request fund freeze
• Take the complaint number
STEP 2: Call Cyber Helpline
Call on 1930 (Works across Delhi NCR)
STEP 3: Report on Cyber Crime Portal
🔗 https://cybercrime.gov.in
Choose → Financial Fraud and Report
STEP 4: File FIR
At: Local Police Station OR District Cyber Police Station
Applicable sections:
• 420 IPC/318 BNS – Cheating
• 66C IT Act – Identity theft
• 66D IT Act – Online cheating
Can Money Be Recovered?
– Yes, if reported within hours
– Beneficiary accounts can be frozen
– Partial recovery is common
Note: Delay reduces chances drastically.
OTP fraud and UPI reversal scams are organized cyber crimes, not “small mistakes.” The law is on the side of victims—but speed, awareness, and documentation decide the outcome.
FAQs (For CrimeInDelhi Readers)
Q1. Is sharing OTP a crime by the victim?
No. Victims are treated as cheated persons, not offenders.
Q2. Can bank refuse responsibility?
Banks cannot wash hands off once fraud is reported promptly.
Q3. Is FIR compulsory?
Yes, for recovery and legal action.
Q4. Can cyber police recover money?
Yes, especially if reported early.
Q5. Are screen-sharing apps illegal?
Apps are legal, misuse is criminal.
