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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.

if you got this

Treat it as a scam until you check. Don’t click, pay or share a code. Check refund status inside the official merchant, bank, or wallet app.

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what it looks like

Forwarded

Your refund is approved. Pay processing fee or scan QR to release the amount.

The victim focuses on recovering money and treats a smaller fee as a reasonable step.

red flags

  • 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

if it’s happening now

  1. Check refund status inside the official merchant, bank, or wallet app.
  2. Do not pay processing fees to unknown support agents.
  3. Stop if QR, UPI PIN, or remote access appears.
  4. Save payment requests and caller details.
Already clicked, paid or shared something?

Don’t

  • Do not enter UPI PIN for refunds.
  • Do not scan QR codes from support chats.
  • Do not share screen or install apps for refunds.

Save this evidence

  • Caller number
  • Refund message
  • QR or UPI request
  • Payment receipts

Stop it happening again

  • Use official app support.
  • Know that real refunds do not need your UPI PIN.
  • Be cautious with customer support numbers found outside official sites.

questions people ask

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.

Last reviewed 8 July 2026.