🔷 Case No.: 2024/MUM/CYB/UPI/764

📌 Intro – A Usual Day Turned into Nightmare

Mumbai, April 2024 – In the bustling streets of Dadar, 42-year-old fruit seller Ravindra Patil started his day like any other. He cleaned his cart, arranged the bananas and oranges neatly, and opened his UPI app to check if it was active for the day. But by the afternoon, his life turned upside down. A fake QR code had been pasted over his actual merchant code, and he had unknowingly been receiving zero payments from customers all day long. By the time he noticed, ₹14,820 worth of fruits had already been handed out for free.

🎯 What Exactly Happened?

A cybercrime that has gained popularity recently: QR Code Tampering Scam.

The scammer, dressed as a normal buyer, approached the cart early morning. He greeted Ravindra politely and asked for a few bananas. While pretending to scan the QR code, he quietly stuck a fake QR sticker over the real one, printed from another merchant ID. This code was connected to a different account entirely, operated by the scammer.

Throughout the day, as customers scanned the QR and showed "Payment Successful" screens, Ravindra didn't double-check the app notifications. He simply smiled, thanked them, and moved on. But by 6 PM, his UPI balance hadn’t changed. That’s when he realized the horror.

🔍 How Does the Fake QR Code Scam Work?

1. Preparation by Scammer: A scammer prints fake QR codes linked to their own bank or UPI account.
2. Sticker Swap: These are pasted over the real merchant’s QR code, often early morning or when the vendor is distracted.
3. Fraudulent Collection: Every customer scanning the fake code unknowingly sends money to the scammer.
4. Realization Delay: Since many small vendors don’t check app alerts immediately, the fraud often continues for hours.

📞 What Did the Victim Do Next?

Ravindra immediately contacted his nephew, who helped him file a cybercrime complaint on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (www.cybercrime.gov.in). He also informed the local Dadar police station.

A formal complaint was registered under Section 420 of the IPC (cheating) and IT Act Section 66D (impersonation using communication device). A CCTV from a nearby tea shop captured the scammer placing the sticker discreetly, which helped the police initiate a search.

📈 Why This Scam Is Rising Rapidly?

• Increased UPI usage and cashless transactions.
• Vendors do not cross-verify every transaction.
• QR codes can be cloned easily and printed in seconds.
• Lack of digital training among small business owners.

⚠️ Lessons We Must Learn

1. ✅ Always check if a UPI transaction alert is received.
2. ✅ Lock your QR code in a laminated cover to prevent tampering.
3. ✅ Regularly inspect your stall QR code physically.
4. ✅ Set your UPI to audio alert mode for every incoming payment.
5. ✅ Download a UPI app that shows real-time payment confirmation.

🧠 Important Tips to Prevent This Scam

• Use dynamic QR codes that expire after one scan.
• Use a customized QR stand with your name/business name printed clearly.
• Update your stall with a notice: “Scan and Wait for Payment Confirmation.”
• Train your staff or family to monitor the payment screen live.
• Register your merchant UPI with alert services like SMS confirmations or email receipts.

📌 Statements from Authorities

Cybersecurity expert Nikhil Shelar from Mumbai said:

"QR code fraud is extremely low-tech but highly effective. The worst part is, it takes just 5 seconds to replace a code. Every small vendor must be taught digital vigilance."

Mumbai Police’s Cyber Unit has recorded over 2,300 similar cases since January 2024 alone. Awareness drives are now being initiated in markets and railway stations.

🗣️ What Public Says

• “How can we trust cashless anymore?” – Local shopper.
• “We need police patrol early morning when vendors start setting up.” – Nearby vendor.
• “My father also lost ₹5000 in the same way last month!” – Twitter user @RaviMumbaikar

🏆 Awards & Actions (Google Filters)

• Case discussed during the CyberSafe India Week 2024 conference.
• Nominated under the Best Consumer Safety Awareness Case Study by Maharashtra Cyber Cell.
• Awareness posters issued under the Digital India initiative.

💡 Moral of the Story:

Technology is a blessing but can become a curse if misused. While QR codes simplify payments, they can also be turned into fraud traps with a simple sticker. Street vendors and small merchants must be empowered with both awareness and tools to defend themselves.

🛡️ How You Can Help Others:

• Share this case study with local vendors near you.
• Print and distribute awareness leaflets with examples.
• Visit your nearby police station and request cyber safety workshops.

🔚 Final Message to Readers

👉 If you want to keep yourself and others safe from such digital crimes, follow newshobe.com daily for verified and simplified real-life crime case studies.

🗨️ Comment your thoughts, or if you have any similar experience, share it below. Your voice might protect others!