How QR scams happen

  • Sticker swap: a fraudulent QR code is pasted over a genuine shop or donation QR.
  • "Receive money" trick: someone sends a QR code and says scanning it will receive a refund or prize, but it actually sends money from you.
  • Fake listings: a seller shares a QR image instead of account details to hide who is being paid.

Staying safe

  1. You never need to scan or enter a PIN to receive money. Anything asking for your PIN or OTP to "receive" is a scam.
  2. After scanning, read the receiver name and amount in your app and compare them with who you expect.
  3. Be cautious with QR codes on stickers, in unsolicited messages or in classified ads.
  4. Use Check a QR Code: upload the image, or paste the text/link your phone shows when you scan it, to see if it appears in reported incidents.
  5. Screenshot the payment confirmation and keep the transaction ID. If you were deceived, see what to do.

Automatic reading of QR images depends on the server; if it fails you will be asked to paste the text your phone shows. We do not have access to wallet providers' databases.