Why Fake UPI Requests Are on the Rise
UPI’s simplicity — scan, tap, and pay — also makes it attractive for fraudsters. Fake UPI collect requests often appear as “refunds,” “bill updates,” or “cashback claims.” According to Upi Fraud Patterns Analysis, NPCI data shows that over 42% of UPI-related fraud in 2025 involved fraudulent payment requests sent to unsuspecting users.
These scams usually work by tricking users into approving “Pay” requests instead of “Receive.” The fraud happens within seconds — especially among new users or small-town merchants unfamiliar with how UPI interfaces work.
To fight back, RBI and NPCI have begun deploying advanced AI and behavioural analytics engines across payment apps and banks. These systems learn what’s “normal” for a user — and instantly flag anything that isn’t.
Insight: The easiest way to trick users is through urgency — and AI is now trained to detect that tone in fake payment prompts.How AI Systems Learn to Spot Suspicious Patterns
AI-powered systems now track every UPI request in milliseconds. Under Ai Fraud Detection Framework, these models analyse patterns across thousands of signals — from transaction timing to message content — to predict if a request could be fraudulent.
Some indicators include:
- Unusual frequency: Too many requests from new or unknown handles.
- Language patterns: Use of urgency words like “refund now” or “approve fast.”
- Geo-location mismatch: Request originated from a different city than the user’s usual location.
- App version irregularities: Fraudsters often use cloned or outdated UPI app versions.
- Device behaviour: Multiple UPI IDs created from the same phone or IMEI.
AI models score each request on a dynamic “fraud likelihood” scale. If the score crosses a threshold, the system can auto-block the request, flag it for manual review, or warn the user in real time before they approve.
Tip: If your UPI app ever says “Suspicious request detected,” it’s AI working quietly to save your balance.Inside RBI and NPCI’s AI-Powered Fraud Network
In 2025, RBI and NPCI launched the Digital Payments Intelligence Platform (DPIP), covered under Rbi Dpip Platform. This network connects banks, fintechs, and UPI apps to share live fraud data using AI-driven insights.
DPIP’s AI core uses machine learning and graph analytics to identify fraud rings — spotting links between phone numbers, devices, and fake merchant accounts long before users notice. The system continuously learns from confirmed scam reports to improve its predictions.
Key AI-driven actions under DPIP:
- Real-time scoring of all UPI requests based on behavioural risk.
- Automated blacklisting of repeat scam accounts and devices.
- Instant alerts to user apps when fraud patterns spread regionally.
- Cooperation between banks for cross-platform fraud tracing.
This network is already helping reduce fraudulent UPI requests by over 35% year-on-year across major payment platforms. For fintechs, integrating with DPIP has become part of RBI’s standard compliance checklist.
Insight: RBI’s new AI fraud grid learns faster than scammers can adapt — every blocked attempt strengthens the model.What Users Can Do to Stay Safer in 2025
Even the smartest AI can’t help if users approve the wrong request. That’s why awareness remains as vital as technology. Under Upi User Safety Tips, RBI and NPCI urge users to treat all UPI requests with suspicion unless verified.
Simple steps to stay safe:
- Never approve “Pay” requests unless you are sure who sent them.
- Ignore cashback or refund messages that ask for PIN entry.
- Use app-provided “report fraud” options — they feed AI learning systems.
- Enable alerts: Keep SMS and app notifications on to track any unauthorized request instantly.
- Stay updated: Use the latest version of your UPI app with built-in AI detection tools.
RBI’s 2025 framework ensures that every major UPI app in India now integrates AI-based fraud detection at multiple levels — from onboarding to transaction approval. Together, these systems are making UPI not just faster, but smarter and safer for every user.
Tip: When in doubt — decline. UPI never asks for payment approval to “receive” money.Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do AI systems detect fake UPI requests?
They analyse transaction behaviour, device data, and language patterns to flag suspicious requests before you see them.
2. What is RBI’s DPIP platform?
It’s the Digital Payments Intelligence Platform — a nationwide AI network connecting banks and UPI apps to track fraud in real time.
3. Can AI block fraud automatically?
Yes. When risk scores are high, systems can auto-block requests or show real-time warnings before approval.
4. Do I need to activate AI features in my UPI app?
No. AI-based protection runs automatically in all major RBI-regulated UPI apps.
5. How can I report fake UPI requests?
Use your app’s “Report Fraud” or NPCI’s helpline — every report helps train AI models to catch scams faster.