A new cyber scam called the 'Jumped Deposit' scam is targeting UPI users, tricking them into authorizing unauthorized withdrawals from their bank accounts. The scam was first alerted by the Cyber Crime Wing of the Tamil Nadu Police in December 2024. The National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal has received multiple complaints related to the scam.

The scam works by having the fraudster transfer a small sum, often around ₹5,000, to a victim's bank account via UPI. The scammer then quickly initiates a request for a much larger withdrawal. This unexpected deposit may prompt the victim to check their account balance. When the victim opens their banking app and enters their personal identification number (PIN), the fraudulent withdrawal is authorized, allowing the scammer to steal the difference.

According to officials, the scam capitalizes on the victim's curiosity about the unsolicited deposit, which then leads to unauthorized access to their funds.

To protect yourself from falling victim to this scam, there are two recommended steps. First, wait about 15-30 minutes before checking your bank balance, as this can cause any active withdrawal requests to expire. Second, intentionally enter an incorrect PIN the first time you access your account; this will cancel any ongoing withdrawal requests. Additionally, always verify unexpected deposits by contacting your bank and confirming their authenticity.

If you’ve fallen victim to the scam, you can file a complaint at your local cybercrime police station or through the cybercrime portal.