Most seller-side P2P scams are the same: buyer sends a screenshot, presses for release, you fall for it. The defence is a sub-60-second verification routine you run on every trade, no exceptions.
What to verify
1. Open your bank's official app (or netbanking) — not the screenshot, not the SMS.
2. Find the exact INR credit matching the trade amount.
3. Confirm the sender name on the credit matches the counterparty's KYC name on the trade.
4. Confirm the UTR matches the one posted in chat.
5. Only then, click Release.
What not to trust
Screenshots of UPI success — trivially Photoshopped, do not trust.
SMS from your bank — sometimes spoofed, especially for new senders. Use the official app or netbanking instead.
WhatsApp screenshot of a 'payment confirmation' from your own bank — definitely don't trust.
Time pressure responses
If the buyer is pressing: 'why so slow, just release.' That's a tell. Honest buyers wait the 30-60 seconds for verification. Pressure means the verification will fail.
Key takeaways
- Always verify in your bank's official app, never via screenshot.
- Confirm amount, sender name, UTR — three checks.
- Time pressure from counterparty = you're being scammed.
- 60 seconds well spent saves the entire trade.
