
Key Points
- New Cyber Threat: Fraudsters have devised a unique method called the ‘Jump Deposit Scam’ to deceive UPI users and siphon money from their accounts.
- How it Works: Criminals deposit a small amount in victims’ accounts and then trick them into entering their UPI PIN, enabling unauthorized withdrawals.
- Police Alert: Tamil Nadu Police has issued a warning about this scam, urging users to exercise caution.
- Nationwide Complaints: Reports of the scam have surged on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
- Safety Tips: Users can protect themselves by either waiting before checking their balance or entering an incorrect PIN intentionally.
A New Trick in Cybercrime
Cybercriminals are constantly innovating to cheat unsuspecting victims, and their latest scheme, the ‘Jump Deposit Scam,’ has caught many off guard. This scam is so deceptive that most victims don’t realize they’ve been defrauded until it’s too late.
How the Scam Works
- Money Credited to Your Account: Fraudsters first transfer a small amount of money to your bank account using UPI.
- Luring the Victim: They rely on the fact that most people immediately check their bank balance upon receiving such a notification.
- Triggering the Trap: As soon as the victim opens their UPI app and enters their PIN to verify the balance, a withdrawal request—previously sent by the fraudsters—gets approved.
- Account Drained: The scammers use this PIN entry to withdraw money from the victim’s account without their knowledge.
Tamil Nadu Police Issues Warning
The Tamil Nadu Police has flagged this scam and advised citizens to remain vigilant. Complaints about the ‘Jump Deposit Scam’ have also been registered on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, highlighting the growing reach of this fraudulent tactic.
The police have emphasized that any unsolicited deposits from unknown sources should raise red flags. They warn against immediately responding to such transactions without verifying their legitimacy.
Protect Yourself from the ‘Jump Deposit Scam’
UPI users can avoid falling prey to this scam by adopting these precautions:
- Wait Before Checking Your Balance: If you receive a notification of a deposit, wait at least 15-30 minutes before checking your balance. Withdrawal requests sent by scammers expire after a short duration, making it safe to proceed.
- Enter an Incorrect PIN: If you must check immediately, intentionally input a wrong PIN. This will ensure that any fraudulent withdrawal request gets rejected.

Growing Cybercrime Threat
With UPI becoming a dominant mode of digital payment in India, cybercriminals are exploiting its widespread usage. Scams like these highlight the need for greater awareness and stricter safeguards.
UPI users are advised to regularly monitor their accounts, avoid responding to suspicious transactions, and report any fraudulent activity on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
As the fight against cybercrime intensifies, staying informed is the first line of defense.