If you are paying through QR code then be careful, there is a chance of getting cheated.

Nowadays people use UPI for all types of payments. Making payment at shops through Phone Pay, Paytm or Google Pay by scanning QR code has become the easiest way, but there can be a risk of fraud while making payment through QR code. Experts say that before making payment through QR code, it is important to check the name of the recipient, so that fraud can be avoided.

How is fraud happening?

In Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, fraudsters had changed the QR codes installed outside many establishments during the night. These included petrol pumps, medical stores and other shops. When customers made payment by scanning these QR codes, the money went to the fraudsters’ account. Such incidents are now coming to light in many cities of the country.

What precautions should be taken

• After scanning the QR code, check the name of the payment recipient.
• Use Google Lens to check that the code is correct.
• If the QR code looks unclear, do not scan it.
• Use QR codes only to send money, not to receive money.

Ways to avoid fraud

• After opening your shop, check the QR code and ensure that your name and account details are correct.
• Place the QR code of your store only inside the shop, so that there is no risk of changing it from outside.
• Before making payment, ask customers what name is visible when they scan the QR code.
• After making payment, check notification from the bank.
• In case of fraud, lodge a complaint on the helpline number.

According to the Finance Ministry

The Ministry of Finance, RBI and National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) have taken several initiatives from time to time to prevent frauds, including device sharing between the customer’s mobile number and the device, two factor authentication through PIN, and every day Involves setting transaction limits. Portal (www.cybercrime.gov.in) and helpline number 1930 are available to report cyber crime.

fraud proceeds

An amount of Rs 19.35 crore has been lost in fraud cases in the financial year 2021-22, Rs 41.73 crore in 2022-23, Rs 56.34 crore in 2023-24 and Rs 22.22 crore in 2024-25.