QR codes have become part of everyday life in India. From scanning to pay at a grocery shop to accessing train tickets, restaurant menus, and official documents, these pixelated square patterns designed to be scanned by a smartphone camera are everywhere. The convenience of scanning with a smartphone has made QR codes popular, but it has also opened the door for cybercriminals to misuse the technology. Over the past few years, QR code scams have been on the rise, tricking people into sending money or sharing sensitive information without realizing it. Understanding how these scams work and how to stay safe is now more important than ever.
One of the most common scams involves fake QR codes for payments. A criminal may replace a shop’s genuine QR code with their own. When a customer scans and pays, the money goes to the scammer’s account instead of the shopkeeper’s. In some cases, fraudsters send QR codes over WhatsApp, SMS, or email claiming to send money, but in reality these codes are designed to withdraw money when scanned through UPI apps. Many victims assume scanning is harmless and do not realize that authorizing such a request actually allows money to leave their account.
Another type of QR code scam involves phishing. Fraudsters create codes that look like they belong to trusted services such as courier companies, banks, or government departments. When scanned, these codes lead to fake websites that ask for login credentials, Aadhaar numbers, or banking details. Because the victim believes the code is official, they may enter personal information without hesitation. QR codes can also be used to trigger downloads of malicious apps or links, putting devices at risk of malware infections.
Public places are another hotspot for QR fraud. Posters, advertisements, or stickers may carry fake codes offering discounts, free gifts, or special offers. Unsuspecting people scan them and are redirected to unsafe websites or prompted to install apps that steal data. Since a QR code itself looks the same whether genuine or fake, it is difficult for the average person to spot the difference without scanning, which makes these scams highly effective.
To stay safe, the first step is awareness. Always remember that scanning a QR code is similar to clicking a link on the internet—you should only scan codes from trusted sources. If someone sends you a QR code claiming it will credit money to your account, treat it as a red flag. In UPI, receiving money does not require scanning; only sending does. Verifying the recipient’s details on your payment app before approving a transaction is crucial.
When paying at shops, check if the QR code looks tampered with or pasted over. Many shopkeepers now place their codes behind glass or use printed boards to avoid replacements. After scanning, always confirm the name of the account holder or shop that appears in your UPI app before entering your PIN. Genuine payment apps display the receiver’s registered name or business name once the code is scanned. If the name shown does not match the shopkeeper or business where you are paying, cancel the transaction immediately and inform the shopkeeper. This step is one of the simplest ways to avoid sending money to the wrong account due to a fraudulent code.
For personal safety, avoid scanning random QR codes found on posters or online ads. If a QR code redirects you to install an app or enter sensitive details, close it immediately. Using updated antivirus apps and enabling fraud alerts from your bank can also provide an additional layer of protection.
As digital payments grow rapidly in India, QR codes will continue to play a central role in transactions. But just as people learned to be cautious about clicking links in suspicious emails, the same careful approach is needed with QR codes. By staying alert, double-checking payment details, and avoiding codes from unknown sources, consumers can continue to enjoy the convenience of QR-based payments while staying safe from fraud. In a world where a simple scan can move money within seconds, awareness and caution are the strongest defenses.