Merchant QR code

Merchant QR code is the printed code at a shop that you scan to pay. A swapped sticker or a code sent to you can send money elsewhere.

Merchant QR code: A merchant QR code is a square code displayed by a shop, stall or business so customers can pay by scanning it with a UPI app. It holds the merchant's payment address. Scanning and approving with your PIN sends money to whoever owns that code.

At a chai stall or grocery, you scan the sticker, check the shop name that shows up on your screen, type the amount and enter the PIN. This is safe when the name matches the shop. Some thieves stick their own QR code over a genuine one, so the money goes to them while the shopkeeper sees nothing. The name on your screen is the clue.

A different trick targets sellers: a buyer sends a QR code and says, "Scan this to receive my payment." Scanning a QR and entering a PIN only sends money. Receiving never needs one. Always pause at the name and the Pay button. The Safeavio QR check lets you scan a code and see where it leads before you pay, though you must still check the shop name.

Tips

• Check that the name shown after scanning matches the shop before you enter the PIN.
• Never scan a QR code to "receive" money; it can only send.
• Look for stickers pasted over a printed code at shops and parking spots.

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