All about the QR Code scams on online portals
QR codes, or quick response codes, are two-dimensional barcodes that can store various kinds of information, such as URLs, contact details, payment details, etc. They are widely used in various online platforms, such as e-commerce, social media, banking, etc. to facilitate easy and convenient transactions. However, they are also being exploited by cyber criminals to scam unsuspecting users and steal their money or personal data. In this blog, we will explain how QR code scams work, what are the dos and don’ts to avoid them, and what are the pointers to keep in mind while buying or selling online.
Dos and Don’ts
Do scan QR codes only from trusted sources, such as official websites, verified accounts, authentic invoices, etc.
Do check the URL or the information encoded in the QR code before proceeding with any transaction. You can use a QR code scanner app that shows you the content of the QR code before opening it.
Do use a secure payment app or platform that has features such as OTP, PIN, biometric authentication, etc. to protect your transactions.
Do report any suspicious or fraudulent QR code to the concerned authorities, such as the online platform, the bank, the police, etc.
Don’t scan QR codes that are sent to you by unknown or unsolicited sources, such as emails, SMS, WhatsApp, etc. They may contain malicious links or malware that can compromise your device or data.
Don’t share your personal or financial details, such as bank account number, card number, CVV, OTP, PIN, etc. with anyone who claims to be a seller, buyer, customer care executive, etc. No legitimate entity will ask you for such information over a QR code scan.
Don’t pay or receive money through QR codes that are not linked to your own account or wallet. Always verify the recipient or sender details before confirming any transaction.
Don’t fall for offers or discounts that are too good to be true. They may be a bait to lure you into scanning a fake or fraudulent QR code.
Pointers to keep in mind while buying or selling online
Be cautious of sellers or buyers who insist on using QR codes as the only mode of payment or receipt. They may be trying to trick you into scanning a QR code that will deduct money from your account instead of crediting it.
Be alert of sellers or buyers who ask you to scan a QR code multiple times, claiming that the previous scan failed or was incomplete. They may be attempting to withdraw money from your account multiple times without your knowledge.
Be aware of sellers or buyers who send you a QR code that is different from the one displayed on the online platform or the invoice. They may be using a fake or altered QR code that will redirect you to a different or malicious website or app.
Be smart and use common sense while dealing with online transactions. If something seems fishy or dubious, do not proceed with the transaction. Trust your instincts and verify the authenticity of the QR code and the other party before scanning or sharing any QR code.
Modus operandi of QR Code scammers
QR code scammers use various techniques and tactics to deceive and defraud online users. Some of the common methods are:
Phishing: Scammers send fake or spoofed emails, SMS, WhatsApp messages, etc. that contain QR codes that look like they are from a legitimate source, such as a bank, an e-commerce site, a social media platform, etc. The QR codes may contain links to phishing websites or apps that ask the user to enter their personal or financial details, such as login credentials, card details, OTP, etc. The scammers then use these details to access the user’s account and steal their money or data.
Malware: Scammers embed malware or viruses in QR codes that can infect the user’s device or network when scanned. The malware may perform various malicious activities, such as stealing data, locking files, spying on activities, displaying ads, etc. The scammers may also demand ransom or blackmail the user to unlock or remove the malware.
Money transfer: Scammers pose as sellers or buyers on online platforms and ask the user to scan a QR code to pay or receive money. The QR code may be linked to the scammer’s account or wallet, instead of the user’s. The user may not realize that they have paid or received money to or from the wrong account or wallet until it is too late.
Fake offers: Scammers entice the user with attractive offers or discounts that require them to scan a QR code to avail them. The QR code may lead the user to a fake or fraudulent website or app that asks them to enter their personal or financial details, or to pay a fee or deposit to claim the offer or discount. The scammers then disappear with the user’s money or data, leaving them with nothing.
Also Read About : Protect Yourself: How to Spot and Avoid QR Code Scams Online
Recent comments(1)
Mark Mark
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