Fake technician swapping the payment soundbox or card machine
A "technician" from the payment company replaces or "updates" your soundbox or card machine, and diverts your payments.
Community reports: 0
How it works
- A man in a company T-shirt or with an ID card comes to your shop saying your soundbox or card machine needs an update, replacement or free upgrade.
- He swaps the device or the QR code on your counter, or changes its settings, sometimes asking for your phone and an OTP to "activate" it.
- Customer payments then go to his account, and you notice only when your daily totals do not match.
What it looks like
Example messages. Numbers and links are masked.
Bhaiya, I am from the soundbox company. Your old device is being replaced with the new model, free. Give me two minutes, and tell me the OTP that comes for activation.
New QR standee for your shop, the old one has expired. I have put it on the counter, payments will come as usual.
Red flags
- A visit you did not book
- Asks for your phone or an OTP
- Changes the QR code on your counter
- No message about it in your app
The one question to ask
Did you book this visit through your payment app or the company's official helpline?
Already paid or shared details?
Remove the new device or QR, scan your counter QR to check it shows your own name, and contact your payment provider through its app. Keep any CCTV footage, and call 1930 or file a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in for lost payments.
1930 · cybercrime.gov.in
Also seen as
- Fake QR sticker pasted over yours at night
- Fake bank staff changing the card machine's settlement account
- "Technician" asking for remote access to your billing computer