Making digital payment mistakes? Anil Singhvi explains how to stay safe

Do you use digital payments often? From sending money from one bank account to another, making UPI payments or scanning a QR code for small purchases of say Rs 50-100, digital payments have become a part of daily life. They are fast, easy and convenient. However, this convenience also invites some risks.

QR codes and online payment links can sometimes put users in danger. If used carelessly, they can lead to leakage of personal and financial details. That is why experts say digital payments are safe only when used wisely. Being alert and informed is the key to avoiding fraud.

Market expert and Zee Business Managing Editor Anil Singhvi has shared important tips and warnings for all digital payment users.

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Whether you are a student using UPI or a working professional, knowing how frauds happen can help you stay protected and financially smarter.

Why are digital payment fraud cases rising so fast?

Anil Singhvi says that digital fraud cases have increased sharply in recent years. He explains that it does not matter whether a person earns a high income or a low income—everyone is at risk in the digital world.

In 2025, over 71,500 cases of fraud were reported in the nation. Banks suffered a loss of around Rs 36,014 crore on account of these frauds. Digital fraud cases in major cities like Mumbai and Pune were worth Rs 3,000-3,500 crore.

The total of UPI and online payment frauds was approximately Rs 2,000-2,200 crore. In the cities of Noida and Lucknow, the fraud related to e-commerce and digital payments amounted to around Rs 1,500-1,700 crore.

Meanwhile, Hyderabad saw Rs 1,500-1,600 crore worth of fraud cases related to SIM swaps and fake merchant apps.

According to Anil Singhvi, different regions face different types of digital fraud, which makes it even more important for users to stay alert at all times.

Anil Singhvi: Protect yourself from UPI and digital payment frauds

Anil Singhvi says people must be extremely careful while using digital payments because frauds are often done in such a convincing way that it looks completely real.

While digital payments have made life easier, fraud cases have also increased. To stay safe, users should follow some simple but important rules.

• Never share your UPI PIN with anyone.
• Be careful when you are in a crowded place and entering your PIN; make it visible to no one.
• Do not blindly scan QR codes; doing so can give the scammer access to your information.
• Always verify the merchant before scanning a QR code.
• Many frauds start with fake SMS or email links -- such as traffic challans, bank alerts, or urgent payment requests. Never click on such links.
• Never make payments through SMS or email links. Always go to the official website or app.
• Never share your banking information with unfamiliar applications or websites. Keeping yourself informed, being careful, and staying alert are the best defences.
• If you receive a payment notification, then examine your bank statement. In case anything seems off, contact your bank right away. Waiting too long may lead to more transactions and huge losses.