Stop when you see these signals
- Fee required before refund
- QR or collect request for receiving money
- Remote-access app for refund verification
- Support number from search, comments, or WhatsApp
- Caller says refund expires soon
Refund fraud
Refund Processing Fee Scam
Refund scams promise money back, then demand a small fee, QR scan, collect request, tax payment, or remote-access session. The refund never arrives.
Common script
What the message or call may sound like
Your refund is approved. Pay processing fee or scan QR to release the amount.
Mechanism
Why this scam works
The victim focuses on recovering money and treats a smaller fee as a reasonable step.
If this is happening to you
- Check refund status inside the official merchant, bank, or wallet app.
- Do not pay processing fees to unknown support agents.
- Stop if QR, UPI PIN, or remote access appears.
- Save payment requests and caller details.
- Do not enter UPI PIN for refunds.
- Do not scan QR codes from support chats.
- Do not share screen or install apps for refunds.
- Caller number
- Refund message
- QR or UPI request
- Payment receipts
- Use official app support.
- Know that real refunds do not need your UPI PIN.
- Be cautious with customer support numbers found outside official sites.
Run a check
Use Kaval on this pattern
Answers
Common questions
Do refunds require fees?
Legitimate refunds generally do not require a separate payment to unlock the refund. Verify through the official app or website.
Why do refund scams use QR codes?
QR codes can push you into sending money while the scammer describes it as receiving a refund.
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