QR Code Scam: Fraudsters Trick Users into Sending Money Instead of Receiving It
Scammers are sending QR codes to users under the pretext of receiving payments, but scanning them actually deducts money from the victim’s account.
A growing digital payment scam involving QR codes is targeting users across India. In this fraud, scammers contact individuals posing as buyers or service providers and claim they want to send money.
Instead of transferring money directly, they send a QR code and instruct the victim to scan it to “receive” the payment. However, scanning a QR code in UPI apps is designed for making payments, not receiving them.
Victims unknowingly authorize a payment request and end up transferring money to the scammer. In some cases, fraudsters guide users step-by-step over a phone call, making the process seem legitimate.
Cybersecurity experts emphasize that receiving money never requires scanning a QR code or entering a UPI PIN. Users should be cautious of unsolicited payment requests and avoid scanning unknown QR codes.
Authorities have urged citizens to stay vigilant and report such frauds immediately through official cybercrime channels.