Online payments have become so common that stepping out of your home without your wallet is the new normal. But how often than not do you verify the QR code pasted on the auto or shop belongs to the right account before you make the payment? A new method of online scam has taken over Madhya Pradesh which shows why you must verify the name of the seller before you scan the code to pay.
Madhya Pradesh Shopkeepers Report QR Code Scam
As per a report by India Today, a new online scam has made its way into Madhya Pradesh. In this scam, fraudsters replace QR codes pasted outside several shops and establishments in the city at night. So, payments meant for shopkeepers are diverted into the accounts of these fraudsters.
This incident was caught on CCTV cameras and is currently under police investigation. As per the police, QR codes at six shops, including petrol pumps, at the buzzing tourist and UNESCO heritage region of Khajuraho and Chhatarpur districts were swapped with fraudulent ones overnight. In some instances, the false QR codes were pasted directly over the original ones pasted by the shopkeepers.
This new online scam in Madhya Pradesh came to light when shopkeepers noticed that they weren’t receiving payments made by customers. Medical shop owner Omvati Gupta revealed to India Today that she averted a major scam thanks to his alertness. A customer pointed out that the QR code when scanned had a different name, ‘Chhotu Tiwari’, instead of her name.
Verify The QR Code Belongs To The Right Person Before Making Payment
She immediately replaced the QR code and reviewed her CCTV footage. It showed three masked men pasting the fraudulent code late at night. Omvati immediately alerted other shopkeepers in the area. Khajuraho Police Station In-Charge Atul Dixit confirmed this new scam to India Today. And said that the police are investigating the issue and will catch the culprits soon. Meanwhile, they have urged businesses to regularly check their QR codes and report any suspicious activities.
What we as customers can do is always verify the name displayed on the UPI app belongs to the shopkeeper, auto driver or anyone we need to make payments to.