QR code Scam: If you are looking for vegetables, tea, parking or daily small shopping. QR code scan If you pay taxes, then this news may surprise you as well as alert you. As digital payments have increased rapidly in the country, fraudsters have also cleverly devised new ways. Now people’s bank accounts are being directly attacked through QR code scams and in many cases, entire deposits are being wiped out within a few seconds.

The web of fraud is spreading through fake QR codes

According to recent reports, fake QR codes are being installed in many cities and towns of the country. Fraudsters remove the original QR code stickers in public places and silently paste their fake codes in their place. Parking areas, tea shops, paan kiosks or places where people pay in a hurry have become the easiest targets of scammers. As soon as a person scans that QR code without paying attention, the money is directly transferred to the fraudster’s account.

How does QR code scam work?

There are generally two types of QR codes. The first one is the one in which the user himself enters the amount after scanning. The second one is the one in which a pre-determined amount is fed and there is no option to change the amount. Scammers are taking advantage of other types of QR codes. They put such codes which when scanned, a fixed amount of money appears on the screen and people hastily enter the UPI PIN without reading it.

Danger of fake apps, websites and malware

In many cases, fake QR codes take the user to a fake payment app or website that looks like the original. There, as soon as someone enters their UPI PIN or OTP, money is deducted from the account. In some cases, malware or virus is also being delivered to the mobile through QR code, due to which the fraudsters take control of the phone from a distance. Due to this, not only the bank account but also the personal information and photos present in the phone become at risk.

How to stay safe while paying with QR code

Never rush while making payment through QR code. Be sure to check whether you are entering the amount yourself or not. If the page for entering the PIN opens after scanning or you are pressured for payment, then stop the process immediately. After payment, carefully check the message coming from the bank. If the QR code leads to a suspicious page or app, close it immediately. A little caution can save you from big financial loss.