QR code scams in India have been on a significant rise since digital payments became a common means of transactions for the average person. Bengaluru alone witnessed 20,662 cases, accounting for 41 percent of cases to QR codes, malicious links, or debit/credit card fraud between 2017 and May 31, 2023.

According to Palo Alto Networks, the main challenge in detecting fraudulent practices is the visual similarity of QR codes, which tempts users to make the wrong choices and thus lose money. Taking advantage of this, scammers replace the fraudulent ones with originals. By scanning the fraudulent ones, users enter phishing sites where scammers steal credentials with access to email or social media.

Moreover, these fraudulent QR codes may lead individuals to malicious applications that inject viruses into the system, causing data theft, privacy breaches, ransomware attacks, and even cryptocurrency mining.

To avoid QR code scams, it is important to be vigilant and take precautions when scanning QR codes. Here are some tips to help you stay safe:

1. Use Official Apps: Whenever possible, use official or trusted apps to scan QR codes. These apps often have built-in security features and are less likely to lead you to malicious websites or apps.
2. Check the Source: Be cautious when scanning QR codes from unknown sources, especially if you receive them via email, text message, or social media. Verify the sender’s identity before scanning.
3. Inspect the QR Code: Take a close look at the QR code itself. If it looks damaged, altered, or suspicious in any way, avoid scanning it.
4. Be Wary of Unsolicited QR Codes: If you didn’t initiate the QR code scanning process, be cautious. Don’t scan QR codes that appear unexpectedly or are sent by unknown sources.
5. Hover Before Scanning: Instead of immediately scanning a QR code, hover your smartphone’s camera over it without scanning. This allows you to see the URL or information associated with the code. If it looks suspicious, refrain from scanning.
6. Use a QR Code Reader with Preview: Some QR code scanner apps provide a preview of the URL or content before taking you to the destination. This can help you verify that it’s safe to proceed.
7. Update Your Smartphone’s Software: Keep your smartphone’s operating system and apps up to date. Updates often include security patches that can protect you from known vulnerabilities.
8. Educate Yourself: Stay informed about QR code scams and the latest phishing tactics. Awareness is key to avoiding scams.
9. Use a Secure Network: Avoid scanning QR codes on public Wi-Fi networks, which may be less secure. Use a trusted and secure network for online transactions.
10. Report Suspicious QR Codes: If you encounter a suspicious QR code, report it to the appropriate authorities or the platform where you found it. This can help prevent others from falling victim to the same scam.