Think Before You Scan: 5 Safety Tips to Protect Yourself from QR Code Scams

Image Credits: ChatGPT

QR codes are everywhere today from restaurant menus and metro tickets to paying your neighborhood shopkeeper. Scanning a code feels quick and harmless. But did you know that fraudsters are using fake QR codes to steal money and data?

At Fact Crescendo, we’ve verified several suspicious QR codes sent in by readers, and many of them turned out to be scams designed to trick people into making payments or sharing sensitive information.

So, before you scan that next QR code, here are five simple safety tips to keep you safe.

1.  Check the Source

Always ask yourself: “Do I know where this QR code came from?”

• If it’s from a trusted shop, official app, or company website, it’s usually safe.
• If it’s a sticker pasted on a wall, pole, or random poster, stay cautious. Scammers often paste fake codes on top of genuine ones.
  

2. Preview the Link

Some QR scanners and phone cameras let you see the website link before opening it. Take a second to check.

• If the link looks suspicious, has spelling mistakes, or doesn’t match the official company domain, don’t click it.
• Example: paytm-secure.in is fake, while paytm.com is the real one.
  

3. Avoid Random Public Codes

Be extra careful with QR codes placed in public spaces like parking lots, street posters, or public toilets. These are easy targets for fraudsters to replace with malicious codes.

4.  Use Official Apps for Payments

When making payments, always go through your banking or UPI app directly instead of scanning random QR codes. Genuine businesses will never force you to pay only via a pasted QR code — they’ll also have official payment channels.

5.  Stay Secure Online
   

• Use private Wi-Fi or mobile data when scanning, not public Wi-Fi.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your bank apps.
• Turn on transaction alerts (SMS or email) so you notice unauthorized payments instantly.

What to Do If You Spot a Suspicious QR Code?

• Don’t scan it out of curiosity.
• Take a picture and share it with Fact Crescendo on WhatsApp: 9049053770. We’ll verify it for you.
• If you believe you’ve been scammed, report it immediately on cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930.

QR codes are meant to make life easier — but scammers are turning them into traps. A few seconds of caution can save you from losing your money or exposing your personal details.

• Remember: Think before you scan.