QR code scams: What are they and tips to protect yourself

QR code scan scams have surged in India, with approximately 21,000 cases reported in Bengaluru alone from 2017 to May 2023, says a report by Palo Alto Networks. The scams often see fraudsters replacing legitimate QR codes with their malicious counterparts and exploiting the inability of users to differentiate between the two visually. A QR scan scam either redirects users to a phishing website or installs malware on their device. It’s crucial for individuals to stay vigilant, particularly those who frequently use digital payments.