QR code scams: Here are things you need to keep in mind while doing transactions

Digital platforms have made a lot of things in our lives very seamless. But the proliferation of digital activities has also resulted in the rise of scamsters, who are always trying to trap people with their cunning methods.

Nobody is safe and it has been proven once again as Harshita, daughter of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, was duped by scamsters on the OLX platform, where she was looking to sell a sofa.

After finalising a deal, the scamster sent a QR code to Harshita and transferred a small amount into her account to establish authenticity. But later debited Rs 34,000 in two installments.

An FIR has been registered at the Civil Lines Police Station and investigation is underway.

What is a QR Code?

There is a pattern of black and white linings to give payment. Scan through your payment app and instant payment is done. This is called QR code. The code contains encrypted information. But, no one knows what is hidden behind him. This information is scanned and decrypted. As soon as the scan is done, the information behind the code is in front of you. The QR code is scanned only to pay with Paytm or any UPI payment option.

New weapon of scamsters

For instance, you are buying or selling a product on an e-commerce platform. As soon as you strike a deal, they send a link for payment. The moment you open that link and accept it , then all the money that was talked about, the more money goes away.

Now the link to Request Money is not sent directly, but is hidden behind the QR code. To understand, you can try it yourself. In the UPI app, go to the option with Request Money and click. After this, a Generate QR Code option is available. As soon as you click on it, two options open — One amount and another remarks. The QR code is generated on the basis of the amount. Scamsters use this method to trick people.