#P2P (person-to-person) scams in India primarily involve fraudsters exploiting features on payment apps like UPI to trick users into sending money, and more recently, crypto-related P2P scams where stolen funds are laundered into cryptocurrency. To combat these scams, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) is discontinuing the P2P "collect" (request money) feature on UPI from October 1, 2025, making only payer-initiated "push" payments available to reduce fraud. 

How P2P Scams Work

Deceptive UPI Requests:

Fraudsters send fake "request money" links through UPI apps, posing as friends, services, or in emergencies to trick users into approving a payment. 

Crypto Laundering:

Scammers use P2P cryptocurrency transactions to convert stolen funds into crypto, which can then be moved to crypto-friendly countries with less strict regulations. 

Exploiting Crypto Traders:

Fraudsters target P2P crypto traders by making fake P2P deals, buying cryptocurrency with stolen money, and sending payment to a trader's bank account, which is later flagged as stolen. 

NPCI's Action to Prevent Scams 

Discontinuation of P2P Collect:

The NPCI will disable the person-to-person collect feature on UPI from October 1, 2025.

Shift to Push Payments:

This means users will no longer receive "request money" links but will have to initiate payments themselves, such as by scanning a QR code or entering a UPI ID.

Recommendations for Individuals

Exercise Caution with P2P Crypto:

If trading crypto, conduct thorough background checks of buyers and sellers to avoid facilitating money laundering, according to the Hindu. 

Be Wary of Deceptive Links:

Do not click on any "collect" or "request money" links that you receive through UPI or other apps, as they are likely scams. 

Initiate Payments Yourself:

Always initiate your own payments by scanning a QR code or entering the correct UPI ID to avoid falling for fake "request money" scams.