A shocking new digital payment scam has emerged in Madhya Pradesh that every Indian consumer needs to know about. Fraudsters are targeting local businesses by replacing legitimate UPI QR codes with fake ones, tricking customers into sending money directly to their accounts.
How the Scam Works
In the Khajuraho region of Chhatarpur district, criminals have been:
- Replacing QR codes outside shops overnight
- Pasting fraudulent codes over original payment scanners
- Diverting customer payments into their own accounts
Real-World Example
Omvati Gupta, a medical store owner, discovered the scam when a customer noticed the QR code showed a different name – “Chhotu Tiwari” – instead of her business name[1][2].
Protecting Yourself: Consumer Safety Tips
Before Making a Payment:
- Always verify the account name when scanning a QR code
- Check if the business name matches exactly
- Look for any signs of tampering with the QR code
- If something seems suspicious, ask the shopkeeper to confirm
What to Do If You Suspect Fraud:
- Immediately stop the transaction
- Alert the business owner
- Take a screenshot of the suspicious QR code
- Report the incident to local police
The Bigger Picture
This scam isn’t isolated. In 2024, Madhya Pradesh saw a significant increase in cyber frauds:
- 26 cases of “digital arrest” fraud
- Over ₹12.6 crore extorted
- Only 5.74% of stolen money recovered[3]
Stay Vigilant, Stay Safe
Digital payments are convenient, but they require careful attention. By staying informed and cautious, you can protect yourself from these emerging scams.
Keywords: UPI scam, digital payment fraud, QR code fraud, online payment safety, cybercrime prevention
Hashtags: #DigitalSafety #UPIFraud #CyberSecurityIndia #ConsumerAlert #FinancialSafety
Citations:
[1] https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/madhya-pradesh-fraudsters-replace-upi-qr-codes-outside-shops-to-dupe-customers-101736685438014.html
[2] https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/qr-code-scam-scammers-swap-stickers-in-madhya-pradesh-shops-divert-payments-in-their-accounts-12908468.html
[3] https://www.ndtv.com/bhopal-news/qr-codes-changed-overnight-at-shops-alert-customer-brings-fraud-to-light-7457073
[4] https://liveindia.tv/nation/qr-code-scam-in-madhya-pradesh-fraudsters-target-shops-overnight-payments-diverted-read-on/
[5] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhopal/khajuraho-traders-in-shock-as-scammers-replace-qr-codes-outside-shops-overnight-to-redirect-payments/articleshow/117190197.cms
[6] https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/Jan/12/woman-exposes-cyber-fraud-in-mps-khajuraho-after-discovering-altered-qr-codes
[7] https://daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay?newsID=1261712
[8] https://www.indiablooms.com/finance/qr-code-scam-in-mps-khajuraho-fraudsters-target-businesses-divert-payments/details
[9] https://www.news18.com/india/new-scam-alert-fraudsters-swap-qr-codes-outside-madhya-pradesh-shops-to-get-payments-into-their-accounts-9186477.html
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