Fake UPI confirmation screenshots used to dupe Kerala merchants

Small business owners across Kerala are increasingly falling victim to a new form of digital fraud, where scammers display fake UPI payment confirmations to deceive merchants. The latest incidents were reported in Muvattupuzha, where two silver shop owners were allegedly duped of ₹16,000 and ₹6,000 respectively.

The accused reportedly convinced the shop owners that payments had been completed by showing them confirmation screenshots on his mobile phone after purchasing ornaments. CCTV footage from one of the shops has since gone viral, and the Muvattupuzha police have registered complaints and launched an investigation.

These cases follow a similar arrest in Malappuram, where a youth was taken into custody by the Perumpadappu police for allegedly using a fake application to simulate successful transactions on a popular UPI platform. He is suspected of using this method to steal gold ornaments and a smartphone from various shops. A similar fraud was also reported at a major flower show in Wayanad earlier this year.

In response to the rising number of such incidents, merchant associations have intensified awareness drives. Ajmal Chakkungal, president of the Muvattupuzha Merchants Association, noted that fraudsters often target small, single-person-run shops where sellers are less likely to be suspicious. The association, which has 2,200 members, has launched an active campaign to educate traders about these potential scams.

Cyber police sources have reiterated advice to traders, urging them not to rely solely on payment screenshots, as these can be easily manipulated or generated using fraudulent applications.