Scammers Replace QR Codes, Traders Lose Money Overnight
A new type of scam has surfaced in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, where fraudsters replaced legitimate QR codes outside shops and a petrol pump with fake ones. This clever tactic redirected customer payments to the scammers’ accounts, leaving traders and customers in shock.
How the Scam Was Discovered
The scam came to light when Omvati Gupta, owner of Rajesh Medical Stores, noticed a discrepancy in her payment system. Early one morning, a customer’s payment showed the name “Chhotu Tiwari” instead of her store’s legitimate details. This raised her suspicion, prompting her to check the QR code, which turned out to be a fake. Gupta immediately replaced it and reported the incident to the police.
Modus Operandi: How Fraudsters Executed the Scam
The fraudsters operated during the night, pasting counterfeit QR codes over the original ones displayed at shops and a petrol pump. Unsuspecting customers who scanned these fake codes unknowingly transferred money to the scammers.
CCTV footage from Rajesh Medical Stores revealed three masked men replacing the legitimate QR codes. Similar complaints emerged from other businesses, including Khajuraho Petrol Pump and a local paan shop.
Prompt Action by Authorities
Within 72 hours of the scam being reported, the police arrested a suspect identified as Chhotu Tiwari, a resident of Aamli village in Jhansi district, Uttar Pradesh. During the investigation, several fake QR code stickers were recovered from him.
Chhatarpur Superintendent of Police (SP) Agam Jain revealed that the fraudsters had managed to steal Rs 1,700 through these fake QR codes. He also confirmed that two more individuals are suspected to be involved, and efforts are underway to trace them.
Financial Impact on Local Businesses
Although the scammers only received a small amount, the financial losses varied. One trader in Narayan Market reported losing Rs 985 and Rs 1 in two separate transactions. Similar cases were reported at Khajuraho Petrol Pump and other shops.
Police Advice to Traders
Local authorities have urged shopkeepers to stay vigilant. Businesses are advised to regularly inspect their QR code scanners and report any suspicious activity to the police immediately.
Conclusion
This incident highlights the need for increased awareness about digital payment fraud. As businesses increasingly rely on QR codes for transactions, regular checks and prompt reporting of irregularities are crucial to prevent such scams in the future.
By staying alert and taking preventive measures, both traders and customers can protect themselves from falling prey to such fraudulent activities.
Source: Inputs from various media SourcesÂ
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
