How to avoid falling victim to rising QR phishing scams

To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited QR codes, verify the authenticity of the QR code source and avoid scanning codes from unfamiliar or suspicious sources. Additionally, consider using a mobile security app with QR code scanning protection features. Besides, be wary of QR codes displayed on public surfaces or those that promise unrealistic deals or offers

QR phishing scams have increased from 15,000 cases in 2022 to more than 30,000 cases in 2023, reveals the latest data released by Check Point Software Technologies.

QR code phishing scams have seen a significant surge in India over the past year, doubling in frequency. These scams often involve deceptive QR codes that lead unsuspecting victims to malicious websites or apps designed to steal personal information or financial data.

Talking to Bizz Buzz, Shikhar Aggarwal, Chairman of BLS E-Services, said, “To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited QR codes, verify the authenticity of the QR code source and avoid scanning codes from unfamiliar or suspicious sources. Additionally, consider using a mobile security app with QR code scanning protection features. Besides, be wary of QR codes displayed on public surfaces or those that promise unrealistic deals or offers. By exercising caution and staying informed, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to QR code phishing scams.”

QR code phishing scams have doubled in India over the past year, posing a significant threat to consumers as they increasingly rely on digital payments. These scams often trick users into scanning malicious codes that steal personal information or financial data.

Kunal Varma, CEO and Co-founder at Freo said, “To combat this, fintech platforms are stepping up their efforts by implementing advanced security measures such as real-time fraud detection and two-factor authentication. Educating users is also a key focus, with many platforms running awareness campaigns to help customers recognize suspicious QR codes.”

Customers can protect themselves by verifying the source of the QR code before scanning, avoiding unknown or unsolicited codes, and regularly monitoring their bank statements for any unauthorized transactions. Fintech companies are committed to staying ahead of these scams by continuously updating their security protocols and educating users to ensure safer digital transactions. As the digital payment landscape grows, staying informed and cautious is crucial to avoiding these evolving threats.

Dhiren V Dedhia, Head – Enterprise Solutions, CrossFraud said, “In the past year, QR code phishing scams in India have alarmingly doubled, posing significant risks to both consumers and businesses. Scammers are increasingly using QR codes to trick users into divulging sensitive information or making unauthorized payments. Typically, QR codes are designed for making payments, not receiving them. However, fraudsters often deceive victims by creating the false impression that scanning the QR code will facilitate the process of receiving funds.”

To protect yourself, it’s crucial to verify the source of any QR code before scanning it. Avoid scanning codes from unfamiliar or suspicious sources, and never share personal or financial details prompted by a QR code. Ensure your smartphone’s security settings are up to date, and consider using a QR code scanner app that checks the URL before allowing access, he said.

Recent reports indicate that over 50 per cent of these scams involve fake payment requests, highlighting the need for increased vigilance. As QR code usage continues to grow, awareness and caution is the key to safeguarding your digital transactions.