Scanning QR codes has become one of the most common ways to make digital payments across the country, but this convenience is now being exploited by scammers. Several reports have revealed cases where people’s bank accounts were drained after scanning fake QR codes for routine payments. The fraud mainly targets users of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and usually happens when people make quick payments without carefully checking what appears on their screen.
The scam works by replacing genuine payment QR codes with fake ones in public places such as parking areas, small shops, tea stalls, and roadside vendors. These fake QR codes are designed to trick users into approving payment requests instead of sending money. In many cases, victims unknowingly approve a request for a large amount, resulting in instant loss of funds from their bank accounts.
To understand how this fraud happens, it’s important to know that there are two types of QR codes used for digital payments. One type allows you to scan the code and manually enter the amount you want to pay. The second type is a payment request QR code, where the amount is already fixed by the person who created it. Scammers misuse this second type by generating QR codes that request large sums and placing them over original QR stickers. When users scan these codes in a hurry, they end up approving a payment instead of making one.
Another dangerous variation of this scam involves fake QR codes that redirect users to fraudulent payment apps or malicious web pages. These pages closely resemble genuine apps. When users enter their PIN or OTP, scammers gain access to their bank accounts, leading to immediate financial loss. In some cases, malware may also be installed on the phone, putting future transactions and personal data at risk.
To stay safe, users should remember that scanning a QR code to pay should never require approving a payment request. Always verify the payment screen carefully before entering your PIN, check the amount being debited, and confirm the merchant’s name. If a QR code redirects you to another page or app unexpectedly, stop the transaction immediately. Being alert and avoiding rushed payments—especially in public places—can help prevent falling victim to QR code payment scams.
