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"Scan this QR code to receive payment"
A buyer sends a QR code and asks you to scan it to receive money; scanning and entering your PIN pays them instead.
Community reports: 0
How it works
- A buyer on a marketplace, or a caller with a refund, sends a QR code on WhatsApp.
- You are told that scanning it and entering your PIN will credit the amount to you.
- The QR code is a payment request, so the money leaves your account.
What it looks like
Example messages. Numbers and links are masked.
Scan this QR to receive Rs 12,000 advance for the sofa. Enter your PIN to confirm.
Our system sends refunds by QR. Scan and approve to get Rs 2,350 back.
Red flags
- A QR code sent to you for receiving money
- A request to enter your PIN
- A buyer who will not meet or call normally
- Repeated "it failed, scan again"
The one question to ask
Do you ever need to scan someone else's QR code to receive money?
Already paid or shared details?
Call 1930 at once: in the first hour the money can often still be frozen before it moves on. Then call your bank on the number printed on your card, and file a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in with screenshots of every message and payment.
1930 · cybercrime.gov.in
Also seen as
- QR codes in fake refund messages
- QR codes for "verification"