Scammers are now using WhatsApp to steal money - here’s how you can protect yourself

• Scammers are now using WhatsApp to send collect request using QR codes.
  
• Users must be cautious while dealing with others and avoid scanning unknown QR codes.
  

Selling your products on reselling apps such as OLX and Quikr is quite easy and can be done in just a few minutes. However, there has always been an element of risk involved while dealing with strangers and there have been several cases where the buyer takes the product without making the payment.

Now, a new type of scam has surfaced, in which the potential buyer scams the seller and takes their money. This scam involves the buyer sharing a QR code with the seller on WhatsApp and tricking them into sending them money. There have been several such cases reported in Gurugram and recently, the Cyberabad Police had issued a warning to citizens about QR code frauds.

How does the QR code scam work

As per the above report, the scammers approach sellers listed on OLX, Justdial and other such portals and mention that they want to buy products from them. Then, they send a QR code to the seller on WhatsApp and ask them to scan the code to receive money. However, this is actually a “Collect” request and once the seller scans the QR and enters the PIN, the buyer receives money.

How to protect yourself from QR code fraud

The first thing you need to remember is that when you are receiving money, you do not need to scan any QR code. Scanning of QR code is required only while making a payment.

• Do not scan any QR code while accepting payments.
  
• Do not scan any QR code if you do not know its origin.
  
• If you are a seller, make sure to check your bank balance and don’t just rely on SMS alerts while receiving money from a buyer.
  

See also:

The 11 Most Sophisticated Online Scams Right Now That The Average Person Falls For

These Are The 8 Biggest Scams People Are Most Likely To Fall For Online