QR Code Phishing and Ways to Protect Yourself from it

Digital payments have emerged as one of the popular choices in recent years. It is one of the simplest ways to scan the code with the UPI QR code scanner, and the transaction will happen within seconds. If you choose a reliable platform for the payment, you will not have to worry about the safety of your account or the transaction’s success. Though there are multiple perks of making a QR payment, this mode is also prone to certain risks. Anything that gains popularity and is opted by many people catches the attention of frauds. That is what is happening with the scan and pay option. The cases of QR code phishing are increasing these days, with many people falling prey to it. So it is crucial to understand how they lure people into scanning QR codes, and it’s all the more important to know how to avoid falling into their trap.

Some common phishing tactics

The frauds can attack both sellers and consumers. Some of the things they do are: 

• They follow a detailed process to gain your trust and then ask you to scan a code using the UPI QR code scanner to receive the payment. It is actually a ploy to trick you into scanning the code, which may wipe off money in your account. 
• Scanning a code from an unknown source can take you to malicious websites that can corrupt the data in your device, including private information. 
• They send texts and emails saying, “congratulations, you have won a thousand dollars.” Then, they tell you that you need to scan to claim. It is another common QR payment fraud that allures people to scan an unreliable code. 

Ways to safeguard oneself from QR code frauds

Now that you know the kind of fraud related to a QR code, the next thing is to understand how to keep yourself safe. 

Stay Informed

It is better to research and know everything about the QR payment before going for it. Read the terms and conditions and avoid doing anything suspicious to stay safe. 

Choose a reliable App.

Choose the right app for making payments. Then, check the reviews and ratings on different platforms to get an idea about the experience of people who used it before. If you read multiple negative feedbacks, know it is a waste of time and find another authentic app. 

Pay attention to details.

Be careful about every step you go through while paying through the UPI QR code scanner. A reliable code will direct you to an embedded URL. However, if no web URL prompts or you see a short one like bit.ly, be a little more cautious. 

Device security

There are still a few chances of falling into the QR code phishing tactics. Hence, it is vital to power up your device’s security. In addition, use a reliable anti-virus plan for your device, which prompts in case you get redirected to a suspicious website.

With these simple techniques, you can keep yourself safe against potential cyber frauds that can happen anytime. Understand that the digital world is as risky as convenient. It takes a lot of attentiveness to stay safe and enjoy all the perks to the fullest.

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