Viral Video Of Money Being Stolen From FASTag Fake? Here's What Paytm, NPCI Have To Say

Paytm, one of the leading mobile payments and financial services companies has issued a clarification and said that the viral video is spreading misinformation about Paytm FASTag.

The video in question features a child who is seen wiping the windshield of a car with a piece of cloth and then scanning the FASTag with what appears to be a smartwatch. Image: screengrab from video tweeted by @sudarh36955289

A video featuring a child "stealing money" from a FASTag via his smartwatch after he was done wiping the windshield of a car has recently gone viral and now, Paytm, one of the leading mobile payments and financial services companies has issued a clarification and said that the viral video is spreading misinformation about Paytm FASTag. 

The video in question features a child who is seen wiping the windshield of a car with a piece of cloth and then scanning the FASTag with what appears to be a smartwatch. He is seen running away after the driver questions him about the smartwatch, and the driver's friend chases him. Reacting to the viral video, Paytm clarified on Twitter and posted: "A video is spreading misinformation about Paytm FASTag that incorrectly shows a smartwatch scanning FASTag. As per NETC guidelines, FASTag payments can be initiated only by authorised merchants, onboarded after multiple rounds of testing. Paytm FASTag is completely safe and secure."

A video is spreading misinformation about Paytm FASTag that incorrectly shows a smartwatch scanning FASTag. As per NETC guidelines, FASTag payments can be initiated only by authorised merchants, onboarded after multiple rounds of testing. Paytm FASTag is completely safe & secure. pic.twitter.com/BmXhq07HrS

— Paytm (@Paytm) June 25, 2022

It should be noted that Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology is used by FASTag devices for making toll payments directly while the vehicle is in motion.

The umbrella organisation for all retail payments system in India or National Payments Corporation of India, popularly known as NPCI has also said that there is no way a smartwatch can be used to scan a FASTag and steal money from it. The NPCI has also published a statement saying that the claims in the are baseless and that false videos circulating on social media. "Please note that there are baseless and false videos circulating on Social media," NPCI tweeted.