Scan QR to Receive Money Scam over the phone

How it looks over the phone, the red flags and what to do.

Callers pretend to be bank staff, police, a courier, a telecom officer or a relative, and they try to keep you on the line while you act. Scan QR to Receive Money Scam is one of the ways this shows up: A buyer asks you to scan a QR code or enter a PIN to receive an advance. A QR code only ever sends money out of your account.

What scan qr to receive money scam looks like over the phone

• An unknown or international number, or a number that looks like a real office.
• A calm, official voice that already knows your name or the last digits of your card.
• Being told to stay on the line and not to tell your family.

The buyer responds within minutes of your advert, often claiming to be posted in the army, a transfer or a distant city. They accept your price without bargaining, which feels lucky. They explain that they will pay a token amount first and send a QR image that they say will credit your account. The deal feels easy.

Red flags to check on the phone call

• You are asked to scan a QR code to receive money.
• A PIN screen appears after scanning.
• The buyer agrees to your price without any questions.
• A second or third QR follows after the first.
• The caller asks for an OTP, UPI PIN, card PIN or CVV.
• You are told that a case, arrest, block or penalty is coming within minutes.

What to do

1. Stop scanning. Receiving money never needs a QR scan by you.
2. Share your own UPI ID or QR code if you want to be paid.
3. Check where a QR code leads before you approve anything.
4. Never share an OTP or PIN. No genuine staff member needs it.
5. If you already installed an app on the call, uninstall it and switch on airplane mode, then call your bank at once.
6. Tell a family member and report the number on the Sanchar Saathi portal (Chakshu facility).

Report the number on the Sanchar Saathi portal (Chakshu facility). If money moved, call 1930 immediately.

If money or a code is already gone

1. Call 1930 right away with the transaction ID and amount.
2. Contact your bank on the number printed on your card or passbook.
3. Report on https://cybercrime.gov.in and attach the QR image and chat.
4. Change your UPI PIN and remove the advert or mark it sold.

National Cyber Crime Helpline: 1930; report at cybercrime.gov.in.

Safeavio's QR check lets you scan a code and see where it goes before you pay or open it, which is exactly the step this scam depends on you skipping. Money Shield also reminds you that you never scan to receive. It cannot stop you from approving a payment inside your UPI app, so read the screen. Read each screen before approving.

Full guide: Scan QR to Receive Money Scam: how it works, signs and what to do. Other channels: QR code, WhatsApp, fake app.

Questions