Dhan Suraksha

Scam Library

Search the scams behind most digital payment losses worldwide — how each one works, the warning signs, and the steps to take. No technical background needed.

Last reviewed 01 Aug 2026 · 21 case studies across 3 regions

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Payment App Fraud United States High risk

Zelle Instant Transfer Scam

Zelle payments settle instantly and are treated as authorised, so a tricked transfer is rarely refunded.

Who scammers target
Bank customers using instant transfers, particularly under 45
Typical reported loss
$500 – $5,000 per case
Why people fall for this
The 'send it to yourself to cancel the fraud' instruction sounds protective and comes from a spoofed bank number.

How it works

  1. 1A seller, landlord or "bank agent" pushes you to pay or move money by Zelle.
  2. 2Zelle transfers are irreversible and treated as payments you authorised.
  3. 3Common covers: a rental deposit, concert tickets, a puppy, or a fraud-department 'safety transfer'.
  4. 4Once sent, the money is withdrawn from the recipient account within minutes.

Real-world example

Aisha pays a $1,200 apartment deposit by Zelle after a video tour. The listing was copied from a real agency; the apartment was never available and her bank cannot recall the payment.

  • Anyone insisting on Zelle instead of a card or escrow for goods or deposits.
  • A "bank agent" telling you to Zelle money to yourself or a safe account.
  • A deal that requires payment before you can see the item or property in person.

  • Use Zelle only for people you personally know and trust.
  • Pay for goods with a credit card so you keep chargeback protection.
  • Verify any bank instruction by calling the number on your card.
  • Report unauthorised activity to your bank in writing the same day.

What it looks like

Investment app (sideloaded)
Your balance
₹1,24,800
Send $1,200 to +1 (415) 555-0142 · Instant, cannot cancel
Illustration of a fake message — recreated for teaching, not a real notice.
Payment App Fraud United States Medium risk

Venmo & PayPal Fake Invoice

A real-looking invoice or payment notice arrives, with a support number that belongs to the scammer.

Who scammers target
Frequent users of peer-to-peer payment apps
Typical reported loss
$100 – $2,500 per case
Why people fall for this
The invoice or alert arrives inside the real app or from real-looking email, so it inherits the platform's trust.

How it works

  1. 1You receive a genuine PayPal or Venmo notification for a purchase you did not make.
  2. 2The scammer created the invoice, so the email really is from the platform.
  3. 3The "dispute this charge" number in the note is the scammer's call centre.
  4. 4They then ask for remote access or a refund transfer to fix it.

Real-world example

Nina gets a PayPal invoice for $749 of crypto. She calls the number in the note, is told to install a support app, and watches $2,400 leave her checking account.

  • A support phone number written inside the invoice or note field.
  • A charge you don't recognise for an unusually large round amount.
  • Any instruction to install software to obtain a refund.

  • Never call a number printed inside an invoice — use the app's official help centre.
  • Check your real transaction list inside the app; unpaid invoices take no money.
  • Report and cancel the invoice from within the platform.
  • Enable two-factor authentication on all payment apps.

What it looks like

Investment app (sideloaded)
Your balance
₹1,24,800
Invoice #8842 · $749.00 · "Call 1-8XX-XXX-2210 to dispute"
Illustration of a fake message — recreated for teaching, not a real notice.
Payment App Fraud India High risk

Fake Customer Support Collect Request

A fake helpline agent sends you a "refund" request that actually takes money out.

Who scammers target
Anyone searching for a helpline number online after a failed payment
Typical reported loss
$100 – $3,000 per case
Why people fall for this
The victim made the call themselves, which makes the 'agent' feel legitimate from the first second.

How it works

  1. 1You search for a bank or wallet helpline online and land on a fake listing or advert.
  2. 2The "agent" sounds professional, knows banking terms, and promises a quick refund.
  3. 3They send a UPI collect request framed as the refund.
  4. 4Approving it debits your account instead of crediting it.

Real-world example

Meena's food order fails and ₹450 is stuck. She calls the number from a search result. The agent sends a request for ₹450 and says "approve to receive your refund". She enters her PIN and ₹450 leaves her account — then he asks her to try again for ₹4,500.

  • You are asked to APPROVE a request or enter your PIN to RECEIVE money — receiving money never needs a PIN.
  • Heavy urgency: "your card will be blocked in 5 minutes".
  • The request comes from a random personal UPI ID, not a verified merchant.

  • Never enter your UPI PIN to receive money. Money in never needs a PIN.
  • Find helpline numbers only on the official app or the bank's printed statement.
  • Hang up and call back on the number on the back of your card.
  • Reject and report unknown collect requests inside your payment app.

What it looks like

Incoming call
+91 90XXX 41288 · "Bank Refund Dept."
"Approve the request on your app to receive the refund."
Illustration of a fake message — recreated for teaching, not a real notice.

Where to report, by country

Already lost money? Report it immediately — the first few hours give the best chance of freezing the funds.

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