🚨 New QR Code Scam Explained: One Scan Can Empty Your Bank Account

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.

Let’s understand this scam clearly so you never fall victim.

🧠 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.

🔍 How the Scam Works (Step-by-Step)

1. You avail a service or purchase goods
   (shop, mechanic, electrician, parking, delivery, online seller, etc.)

2. When it’s time to pay, the scammer shows a QR code, claiming it is for payment.

3. You scan the QR code using your UPI app.

4. Your app opens a “Payment Request / Collect Request” screen.

5. Due to hurry or confusion, you approve the request.

6. 💸 Money gets debited from your account and credited to the scammer.

👉 Reality:
You did not “pay” — you authorized a payment in their favour.

⚠️ Why This Scam Is Extremely Dangerous

• QR code looks genuine

• Happens in face-to-face transactions

• Victim assumes scan = payment

• UPI interface feels familiar and trusted

• One tap = instant debit

• No OTP or second chance to stop it

Most victims realise the fraud only after money is gone.

🚫 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:

• You must share your own QR code, or

• Share your UPI ID / mobile number

You never scan a QR to receive money.

🛑 Red Flags You Must Never Ignore

• App shows “Approve Payment Request”

• App shows “Pay ₹____” when you expected to receive money

• Someone asks you to scan QR for:

  • Refund

  • Cashback

  • KYC update

  • Verification

  • Customer support help

🚨 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

📞 What To Do If You Fall Victim

Act immediately — time matters.

• ☎️ Call Cyber Crime Helpline: 1930

• 🌐 Report online at cybercrime.gov.in

• 📲 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.

👉 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