Digital payments through UPI and QR codes have made life easy in India. Paying for groceries, services, parking, repairs, or online purchases now takes just a few seconds.
But scammers are evolving faster than technology.
A new QR Code scam is spreading rapidly, where people believe they are making a payment, but instead unknowingly approve a payment request and lose money.
๐ง What Is the New QR Code Scam?
In this scam, fraudsters do not display a genuine merchant payment QR code.
Instead, they show a fake QR code generated from a UPI “Collect / Payment Request.”
When you scan it, you are not paying the merchant — you are approving a request to send money to the scammer.
๐ How the Scam Works (Step-by-Step)
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You avail a service or purchase goods
(shop, mechanic, electrician, parking, delivery, online seller, etc.) -
When it’s time to pay, the scammer shows a QR code, claiming it is for payment.
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You scan the QR code using your UPI app.
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Your app opens a “Payment Request / Collect Request” screen.
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Due to hurry or confusion, you approve the request.
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๐ธ Money gets debited from your account and credited to the scammer.
๐ Reality:
You did not “pay” — you authorized a payment in their favour.
⚠️ Why This Scam Is Extremely Dangerous
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QR code looks genuine
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Happens in face-to-face transactions
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Victim assumes scan = payment
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UPI interface feels familiar and trusted
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One tap = instant debit
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No OTP or second chance to stop it
Most victims realise the fraud only after money is gone.
๐ซ Biggest Myth About QR Codes
❌ “Scanning a QR code means I will receive money”
❌ “Merchant asked me to scan, so it must be safe”
✅ Truth
A QR code is only used to PAY money — never to RECEIVE money.
To receive money:
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You must share your own QR code, or
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Share your UPI ID / mobile number
You never scan a QR to receive money.
๐ Red Flags You Must Never Ignore
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App shows “Approve Payment Request”
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App shows “Pay ₹____” when you expected to receive money
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Someone asks you to scan QR for:
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Refund
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Cashback
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KYC update
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Verification
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Customer support help
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๐จ 100% Scam
✅ Safety Tips to Protect Yourself
✔ Always read what your UPI app displays
✔ Check whether it says PAY or REQUEST
✔ Never approve a request you didn’t initiate
✔ Merchants should display static or official merchant QR codes
✔ Take time — scammers rely on urgency
✔ Educate family members, especially elders and first-time UPI users
๐ What To Do If You Fall Victim
Act immediately — time matters.
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☎️ Call Cyber Crime Helpline: 1930
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๐ Report online at cybercrime.gov.in
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๐ฒ Inform your bank / UPI app support instantly
Early reporting increases chances of recovery.
✍️ Final Words from Dhan Shiksha
Digital payments are powerful tools — but awareness is your real security.
Scammers don’t hack systems. They hack human trust and confusion.
๐ Share this article with family, clients, staff, and friends. One share can save someone’s hard-earned money.
#QRScam #UPIFraud #DigitalFraud #CyberCrime #FinancialAwareness #DhanShiksha #UPISafety
#QRPayment #MoneySafety #ScamAlert






