Mumbai — As digital transactions become increasingly common, online buyers and sellers are facing a surge in cyber fraud. In Dadar, a woman lost ₹1.55 lakh while attempting to sell her daughter’s old books after a cybercriminal duped her through a QR code. Police have registered a case, and the cyber cell is investigating the incident.
The Incident
A few days ago, the victim uploaded her daughter’s books on a well-known online marketplace, pricing the items at ₹13,800, significantly below their actual value.
On Tuesday, an individual claiming to represent ‘Jaykishan Book Store’ contacted the woman expressing interest in purchasing the books. The woman agreed. Subsequently, the buyer sent her a QR code and instructed her to scan it to complete the transaction.
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Once she scanned the QR code, a total of ₹1.55 lakh was withdrawn from her bank account in installments. Upon visiting her bank to inquire about the withdrawals, the woman realized she had fallen victim to cyber fraud. She immediately filed a complaint with the Dadar Police.
Police Advisory
“Never scan QR codes sent by unknown individuals while conducting online transactions. Scammers now use this method to easily siphon off money. Legitimate buyers will transfer funds directly into your bank account—there is no need to scan a QR code. Vigilance is essential to prevent such fraud.”
Expert Opinion
Cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Professor Triveni Singh noted:
“Fraud through QR codes is rapidly increasing. Criminals exploit the convenience of digital transactions, misleading people with fake screenshots or codes. The only way to protect against such crimes is to use trusted and official platforms and always verify payments through the bank or official app before completing any transaction.”
Conclusion
This incident highlights the importance of caution and security measures in digital transactions. Experts emphasize that before scanning a QR code, users should always confirm the legitimacy of the transaction and rely solely on trusted platforms to safeguard their money.