In today’s digital world, online payment is being used rapidly. People are using more QR codes for price. Due to contactless payment, it is very convenient for people. QR code is used from shopping to petrol pump places. It saves people from carrying cash all the time. But QR code is as convenient as insecure because cybercriminals adopt new tricks every day through QR codes.
QR code is a static image that criminals can easily be hacked into but can be changed. It is very easy for cybercriminals to change this image. The most negative point of a QR code is that you will not be able to tell what is behind it until you scan it. Cases of fraud related to QR codes often happen, mostly with sellers who put ads on OLX. Although UPI-based scams also keep coming up, most of the fraud cases are related to QR codes. For example, cybercriminals become active as soon as a seller uploads a product on an online platform. They agree to buy without looking at the products to win the trust of the other person. After that, criminals lure people into their trap by pretending to make the online advance payment.
What is QR Code?
QR code is a black and white image in view, but it stores a lot of data inside itself. Whatever data is inside the QR code, once scanned, it can be easily accessed by users. That’s why it is called quick response. It is a type of bar code that is read by a digital device, and it is used to track information about the product. The QR code system was developed in 1994 by a Japanese subsidiary of Toyota. Most of today’s smartphones already have a built-in QR code scanner. If not, then it can be downloaded from Play Store.
How to avoid QR code fraud?
To avoid QR code fraud, the first and foremost thing to keep in mind is that the code is used only for sending money and not for receiving money. Cybercriminals ask you to scan the QR codes to make money by pretending to be things. Such a case of fraud can also happen at the petrol pump. So as a customer, whenever you are making a payment, a name comes to scan the code, which has to be verified; make sure to check it. From this, it comes to know whether the money is going to the right account or not. Verify from whom you are paying that the number and website are correct or not.
If ever you become a victim of fraud by making wrong payment by mistake, you should immediately contact the helpline number 155260 and file your report.
Whenever you are asked to send a certain amount, the QR code should be scanned by you from the UPI of trusted apps like Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, Bheem, SBI YONO, etc. Then enter the UPI PIN and money amount to confirm the transaction. Refrain from scanning or paying if the trusted source is not visible on scanning.
Keep some things in mind while making an online payment
- Before making the payment, all the details should be carefully verified by you before doing the transaction.
- If anyone sends a QR code or link for making payment through WhatsApp, do not scan or download it. It could also be the case of Pegasus.
- After scanning the QR code, a small link looks like bit.ly, so you should be alert.
- If a buyer is ready to buy without seeing your product in the front and asks you to make money through online payment, then be alert. It could be a case of fraud.
- Every device has security software that needs to be updated from time to time.
- If ever you are a victim of cyber fraud, then file a complaint on the national cyber portal _ cybercrime. in.
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