Mobile payment apps like Paytm, PhonePe, Google Pay, and BharatPe have made life easier. Whether you are buying vegetables, recharging your phone, or paying your cab fare, just one tap and the money is sent.

But with this ease, a new scam has started spreading—fake payment confirmation scams. These scams affect small shopkeepers, delivery agents, online sellers, and even large businesses.

Many people lose money or products just because they trust what the scammer shows them on a mobile screen. That’s why understanding this scam and staying alert is very important today.

In this article, we’ll explain how these scams happen, how to spot them, and how Portal Chakshu can help protect you.

What Is a Fake Payment Confirmation Scam?

In a fake payment confirmation scam, someone pretends to send you money through a payment app. They might show you a screenshot of a successful payment or even make a fake app show a payment message.

The problem is—no money actually comes into your account. But because you see the message or screenshot, you think the payment is done. This is when the scammer runs away with your product or service.

How Scammers Fool People?

Let’s look at some common ways scammers trick innocent people:

1. Edited Payment Screenshots

They take a real payment screenshot from earlier and use editing apps to change the name, amount, date, and even transaction ID. It looks real but is 100% fake.

2. Fake Payment Apps

Some scammers use apps that look just like original ones. These apps don’t send money but still show a “payment successful” message. If you don’t check your own app or SMS, you won’t know the truth.

3. QR Code Tampering

Scammers sometimes paste a new QR code on top of yours. When someone scans it, the money goes to the scammer, not you. This is very common in roadside shops and stalls.

4. Fast Talk and Distraction

They may rush you—“Bhaiya jaldi hai”—and show the fake proof quickly. Before you can verify, they collect the item and leave.

Real-Life Example You Should Know

In a recent case in Kolkata, a woman went to a jewellery store and selected a gold chain worth over ₹55,000. She showed a fake NEFT confirmation screen on her mobile and walked out with the jewellery.

Later, the shop staff realised that no money had actually come into their account. A complaint was filed, but the money and the chain were already gone.

This is just one of many such cases happening across the country.

How to Protect Yourself?

Here are simple steps every person and shopkeeper can follow:

1. Never Trust Screenshots Alone

Anyone can edit a screenshot. Always check your wallet app or SMS for actual credit. Real payment will always reflect in your app or bank balance.

2. Keep Notification Alerts On

Apps like Paytm and PhonePe send you alerts when money is received. Keep notification sounds ON so you can hear it even during a rush.

3. Scan Your Own QR Code

Check your QR code every day. Make sure it hasn’t been replaced or covered with another code.

4. Don’t Rush

Take your time to confirm payment. Even if the customer is in a hurry, always check the actual balance.

5. Teach Your Staff

If you run a business, train your workers not to give any product or service without verifying payment in the app.

What to Do If You Face a Scam

If you’ve already been tricked, don’t panic. There are steps you can take:

Write down the scammer’s mobile number and other details.
Take screenshots of what they showed.
Save CCTV footage if available.
Most importantly, report the incident on Portal Chakshu.

How Portal Chakshu Can Help You?

Portal Chakshu is a government website under the Department of Telecommunications. It lets you report fraud calls, SMS, and messages from WhatsApp or any app.

This includes cases like:

Fake payment confirmation messages
Scams pretending to be from banks or payment apps
Fraud through QR codes
WhatsApp links asking for personal info

Reporting on Portal Chakshu is simple. Here’s how:

Visit the site
Click “Report Suspected Fraud Communication”
Fill in details like the number, type of scam, and upload screenshots if any
Submit the report after OTP verification

Your report is then sent to the right authorities so they can take action and prevent others from being scammed.

Final Words

Digital payments make life easy, but we must be careful. Scammers are getting smarter, and fake payment scams are happening every day.

The good news is that with a few simple checks and help from tools like Portal Chakshu, you can stay safe.

Always confirm the money is in your account before giving away anything. Stay alert, report frauds, and help others do the same.

Remember, even one report can stop a scammer from cheating someone else tomorrow. Use Portal Chakshu and do your part in making digital payments safer for all.

Fake Payment Confirmation Scams: What Every Indian Should Know