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