Alert! Don’t fall for this scam, check before scanning any QR code

While mobile payments are easy and simple, they are also being used by fraudsters to rob people off their hard-earned money. Over the last few years, several types of online frauds have come to light that have shocked customers and led to loss of massive amounts of money. Now, things have got worse as the most recent ones even use QR codes to fool people and take their money away. So, next time someone asks you to make payments by scanning a QR code, be super alert.  

What is a QR code? 

A QR code (Quick Response Code) consists of a number of black squares and dots which represent certain digital information. When your smartphone scans this code, it translates that information into something that can be easily understood by it. One of the reasons they have become popular is the social distance norm now in vogue due to . 

Customers as well as merchants/shopkeepers can deal with this payment solution without proximity. 

How does QR code fraud take place? 

The scam starts with someone putting an item on an online sale website. That’s when the fraudsters pose as buyers and share the QR code to pay an advance or token amount. They then create a QR code with a higher amount and share it with the intended victim through WhatsApp or email. They may also engage the victim in a conversation to confuse him or her. 

After sharing the QR code, the con ask their victims to select "Scan QR code" option on the app and select QR code from the photo gallery. After scanning the QR code from the photo gallery, the victim is urged to proceed with the payment. As soon as the UPI PIN is entered, money is deducted from the bank account of the victim. 

When confronted on WhatsApp, the cons plead innocence and request for a re-scan of the code to remedy the situation. But the moment this is done, another amount is debited from the victim`s account.  

What should you do? 

Police and bank authorities have been from time to time advising people not to share their debit/credit card numbers, their expiry dates, PIN, OTP etc with anyone. They also advise against scanning QR codes sent by unknown persons.  

Also, one should remember that QR codes need to be scanned only to make payments and not receive money.