QR code scam alert: In this era of digital payments, if you also make payments by scanning QR codes, then this information becomes even more important for you. QR code scam is spreading rapidly in India. From 2017-2023, there has been a rapid increase in such cases in which QR code links containing malware and fraud related to debit-credit cards have occurred.
QR code scam alert:Â In today’s time, every other work is being done digitally. Every second smartphone user is making digital payments using his phone. Everyone likes the method of digital payment for everything from ordering household ration to online shopping.
In this era of digital payments, if you also make payments by scanning QR codes, then this information becomes even more important for you.
QR code scam is spreading rapidly in India. From 2017-2023, there has been a rapid increase in such cases in which QR codes, links containing malware and frauds related to debit-credit cards have occurred.
What is QR code scam?
- Actually, in QR code scam, cyber criminals replace the QR code of any authorized website with their own QR code. In most cases, business websites are the target of attackers.
- As soon as a person scans the QR code on a business website, it gets redirected to a phishing URL.
- As soon as you reach a website containing malware, a cyber criminal can ask for user credentials. After this, the attacker gets control of the person’s social media handle and email account.
- Many times, after scanning the QR code, the internet user reaches a fake app store, where the user is asked to download a malware application.
Stay safe from QR code scams like this
Use secure network
If you also use a public Wi-Fi network, then you are not advised to scan the QR code. Use a secure network for online transactions.
Do not share UPI ID
To avoid QR code scam, it is important not to share UPI ID and bank details with any unknown person. It is also important to verify online transactions.
You can use QR reader
If you scan QR code, you can download QR code scanner app on your phone. There are many such apps available in which a preview of the URL and content is available even before reaching the destination.