Avoiding Payment Scams: A Student’s Safety Guide

Why Students Are Common Targets

• Frequent Online Transactions: From e-learning platforms to e-commerce apps, students are constantly making small but regular payments.
• Limited Awareness: Many students are still developing their financial literacy and may overlook warning signs.
• Peer Pressure & Urgency: Attractive offers, scholarships, or last-minute “discount” alerts can push students into hasty decisions.
• Digital Transition: Students from non-metro areas may be new to online banking and more vulnerable to fraud.

Common Types of Payment Scams Students Face

1. Phishing Websites & Apps: Fake websites or apps that mimic real platforms to steal login details and card information.
2. UPI Fraud: Scammers trick students into approving a “request money” link instead of making a payment.
3. Fake Scholarships or Fee Portals: Fraudulent portals claiming to offer grants or fee payments at reduced rates.
4. Online Marketplace Scams: Fraudulent sellers offering gadgets, books, or services at unbelievable discounts.
5. Social Media Traps: Fake giveaways, QR code scams, or links shared through Instagram, WhatsApp, or Telegram.
6. Job & Internship Scams: Fake recruiters asking students to pay “registration fees” or “security deposits.”

Red Flags Every Student Should Watch Out For

• Too-Good-To-Be-True Offers: Unrealistic discounts, “limited-time” schemes, or money-doubling promises.
• Pressure Tactics: Urgent requests like “pay now or lose the offer.”
• Unverified Sources: Payment requests from unknown email IDs, random WhatsApp numbers, or unofficial portals.
• Spelling/Grammar Errors: Fake websites often have poorly written content.
• Suspicious Payment Requests: Asking to transfer money via gift cards, wallets, or unfamiliar apps.

How Students Can Protect Themselves

1. Verify Before Paying: Always double-check the website URL or app source. Official university or service portals will never redirect you to personal accounts.
2. Use Secure Payment Modes: Prefer UPI with trusted apps, debit/credit cards with OTP verification, or net banking through official channels.
3. Never Share OTPs or PINs: Even with close friends—scammers often pose as acquaintances.
4. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Adds an extra security layer to banking and payment apps.
5. Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Transactions: Use mobile data or secure networks when making payments.
6. Check for HTTPS: Look for the padlock symbol in the browser before entering card details.
7. Keep Records: Save payment receipts, confirmation emails, and screenshots for proof.
8. Educate Yourself: Attend financial literacy workshops offered by schools, colleges, or NGOs.

What To Do If You Fall Victim

• Report Immediately: Inform your bank or UPI provider to freeze the account or reverse suspicious transactions.
• Contact Cyber Crime Helpline (1930 in India): National helplines and cyber police units can assist in tracing fraud.
• Block Your Cards: Temporarily block debit/credit cards to prevent further misuse.
• File an FIR or Online Complaint: Many states provide cybercrime complaint portals for quick reporting.
• Alert Friends: If the scam involved your social account, notify peers so they don’t get trapped.

Building a Safe Digital Habit

• Regularly Update Apps & OS: Outdated software may have security loopholes.
• Set Transaction Limits: Keep small daily transaction caps to reduce risk.
• Stay Alert on Campus: Peer awareness programs can prevent multiple students from falling into the same scam.
• Practice Healthy Skepticism: If it feels suspicious, pause and verify before paying.

Conclusion