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QR Code Payments Alert: People are becoming victims of fraud when making payments through QR code, be careful like this

informalnewz | January 21, 2025 9:53 AM CST

Alert: Scanning a QR code is the easiest way to make payment at shops through PhonePe, Paytm or Google Pay, but payment through a QR code can also be dangerous.

QR Code Payments Alert: Nowadays people use UPI for all kinds of payments. Scanning a QR code for payment at shops through PhonePe, Paytm or Google Pay is the easiest way, but payment through a QR code can also be dangerous. Experts say that the way to avoid fraud is to check the name of the receiver before making a payment through a QR code.

This is how fraud is happening.

In Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, fraudsters changed the QR codes pasted outside many establishments at night. These included petrol pumps, medical stores and other shops. When customers made the payment, the money went into the fraudster’s account. Such incidents are coming to light in many cities of the country.

Digital wallet

What precautions should be taken

● Check the name of the person receiving the payment after scanning the QR code

● Use Google Lens to check if the code is correct or not

● If the QR code looks unclear, do not scan it

● QR code is scanned only for sending money, not for receiving money

Source: Ministry of Finance, (Note this includes all forms of QR code fraud)

Do this to avoid fraud

After opening the shop, scan the QR code and check whether your name and account details are visible correctly or not.t

Put the QR code of your shop or store inside the shop, so that no one can change it from outside

Before making payment, ask the customers what name is visible on scanning

After making the payment, check the bank notification

Complain on the helpline number

According to the Finance Ministry’s reply in Parliament, the government, RBI and National Payment Corporation of India (NPCI) have taken several initiatives from time to time to prevent fraud. This includes device honing between the customer’s mobile number and device two-factor authentication through PIN, daily transaction limit etc. A portal for reporting cyber incidents (www.cybercrime.gov.in and helpline number 1930 has been launched.

Financial Year Incidents Amount of fraud

2021-22 14625 19.35 crore

2022-23 30340 41.73 crore

2023-24 39638 56.34 crore

2024-25 18167 22.22 crore