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QR Code Fraud: Nowadays, scanning QR codes to view menus has become a common practice in restaurants, cafes, and shops; however, this very convenience is now evolving into a major cyber threat. An incident involving a woman in Pune has raised even more serious questions regarding QR code security. The woman had merely scanned a QR code to access a restaurant's digital menu, but just a few hours later, she began receiving obscene messages on her phone. It was later revealed that the sender of these messages was a waiter at that very restaurant.

Digital Menu Scam: What exactly is the case?
According to Rishika Dutta, she had gone to dine at a restaurant located on FC Road in Pune. At her table, she was instructed to scan a QR code to access the digital menu. Subsequently, that night, she began receiving a barrage of obscene messages on her phone from an unknown number. It was later discovered that the sender of these messages was a waiter employed at the same restaurant. The woman has alleged that her mobile number was leaked from the restaurant's digital menu system.

QR Code Privacy Risk: How can your number be leaked via a QR code?
According to cyber experts, users often enter their mobile numbers without a second thought while scanning QR codes. Typically, scanning a QR code opens a website where a mobile number is requested—either to access the menu or to place an order—and this data is then saved within the restaurant's system. If the system lacks adequate security or if an employee gains unauthorized access to it, customer information can be compromised.

Fake QR Code Alert: Fraudulent QR codes are also becoming a major threat.
According to experts, in many instances, cybercriminals paste fake QR codes over the legitimate ones. Upon scanning such a QR code, the user is redirected to a fraudulent website. This can lead to the theft of phone data and even jeopardize banking details. Furthermore, this could potentially result in malware being installed on your phone.

QR Code Safety Tips: Take these precautions when scanning QR codes.
If you frequently engage in online financial transactions across various platforms, keep the following points in mind: Request a Paper Menu: Whenever possible, ask the restaurant for a physical (paper) menu, and—under no circumstances—share your phone number.

Check Permissions: If, after scanning a QR code, a website requests access to your camera, contacts, or location, deny the request immediately.

Verify the URL: After scanning, check the browser to ensure that the link is official. Do not share any personal information on links that appear suspicious.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Amar Ujala. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.