Disaster Relief Scams via UPI
How fraudulent disaster relief collections in India exploit UPI's wide reach and how donors can verify campaigns before giving.
Part of: Disaster Relief Scams
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
India's disaster response ecosystem generates massive philanthropic activity every year. UPI has become the dominant channel for this giving, and fraudsters have created a parallel ecosystem of fake relief UPI handles that activate within hours of every major disaster announcement. The fake campaigns mimic official PM-CARES, state CM relief fund drives, and well-known NGO campaigns.
The fraudsters rely on the natural tension between wanting to help urgently and the time required to verify a collection. Most donors choose speed over verification.
How this scam works on UPI
Fake UPI QR codes and VPA handles circulate on WhatsApp and Twitter formatted to look like official PM-CARES or state relief fund channels. The handles may include words like 'relief', 'help', or 'fund' alongside a numerical string. WhatsApp chains amplify the reach, with each forwarding contact adding implicit endorsement.
Some operators register domain names resembling official portals and embed their UPI QR codes on those pages to pass casual scrutiny. Donors who check only the landing page without verifying the organisation's official registration are deceived.
After collecting donations, the operator posts fabricated distribution photos before the fake page goes quiet.
Common red flags
- UPI QR codes or handles for disaster relief shared only through WhatsApp or Twitter without traceable official source
- Handles claiming to represent PM-CARES or a CM Relief Fund that cannot be verified on official government websites
- Requests that emphasise urgency in a way that discourages verification
- No published bank account details alongside the UPI option
- The UPI name shown in the app confirmation screen does not match an official registered entity
- No FCRA registration or government order establishing the collection
How to protect yourself
- Donate to PM-CARES or state CM Relief Funds only via the official government portals — verify the UPI handle on pmcares.gov.in or the relevant state website
- For NGOs, verify FCRA registration at fcraonline.nic.in before transferring
- Check the UPI confirmation name carefully before approving any transfer
- Report suspect handles to NPCI via your bank and to cybercrime.gov.in
- Wait 24 hours before donating to newly announced campaigns — legitimate relief accepts donations for days
How to report it
- Report at cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930 with the fraudulent UPI handle
- Report the fraudulent UPI ID to your bank for network-level flagging
- Report the WhatsApp or social media post to the relevant platform
Frequently asked questions
Is PM-CARES fund accessible via UPI for direct donations?
Yes, PM-CARES has an official UPI handle and QR code published on pmcares.gov.in. Always get the handle directly from the official government website — never from a forwarded WhatsApp message or social media post, as fraudsters create near-identical handles designed to intercept donations.