Mumbai QR Code Scam – A Mumbai woman recently lost ₹1.55 lakh to a sophisticated QR code scam while selling books online, bringing attention to India’s rising digital frauds and the urgent need for legal awareness. This article explains the scam, defines technical terms, reviews updated laws including the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Mumbai QR Code Scam: What Happened?
After posting an ad to sell her daughter’s old books worth ₹13,800 on OLX, a Mumbai homemaker was contacted by a supposed buyer from “Jaykishan Book Store.” The fraudster sent her a QR code, claiming that scanning it would transfer payment to her account. Unaware, she scanned the code and immediately lost money repeating the process eight times as the caller and an accomplice played tricks to appear genuine. In total, she lost ₹1,54,899 within a day through multiple bank accounts.
Technical Terms Explained
- QR Code Scam: A type of fraud where scammers send a Quick Response (QR) code, tricking victims into scanning it. Instead of receiving money, victims end up transferring funds to the criminals.
- UPI (Unified Payments Interface): A digital payments system in India. Scanning a QR code and entering the UPI PIN allows instant money transfer.
- Phishing: Deceptive tactics to trick users into revealing sensitive information.
- Impersonation: Pretending to be someone else (like a genuine buyer or business).
Breakdown of the Scam Modus Operandi
- The fraudster claimed that scanning the QR code would transfer funds for the books.
- Each scan resulted in money being debited from the victim’s account, not credited.
- The scammer repeatedly manipulated her, blaming “technical errors” and convincing her to scan again.
- An accomplice posed as a senior officer for credibility.
- This is a “payment reversal phishing” where the QR code, instead of receiving, requests a payment.
Legal Position: Updated Laws
India’s legal framework for QR code fraud is robust, with the new BNS (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita) and the Information Technology Act providing strict penalties:
- Section 336 BNS (Forgery): Covers digital forgery, including creation or alteration of electronic records or QR codes. Jail up to seven years and a fine.
- Section 319 BNS (Cheating by Impersonation): Applied when scammers pretend to be legitimate buyers. Jail up to five years, fine or both.
- Section 316 BNS (Criminal Breach of Trust): Using trust to commit fraud; punishments vary based on positions of trust.
- Section 340 BNS (Using Forged Document): Using fake QR codes or digital documents carries serious consequences.
- Section 66-D, IT Act: Cheating by impersonation using computer resources; up to three years in jail and one lakh rupees fine.
- Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007: Covers digital payment frauds and adds to the penalties.
What To Do If Targeted?
- Immediately report the fraud to the 1930 national cyber helpline.
- Reach out to your bank immediately and report the incident, and also lodge a complaint on the official Cybercrime Portal.
- Save all evidence: call logs, QR codes sent, transaction receipts.
Citizen Tips: How To Stay Protected
- Never scan unknown QR codes claiming to “credit” money to your account.
- Always verify the sender, call them back or cross-check their identity.
- Do not share bank details, UPI PIN, or OTP with strangers.
- Be suspicious of unusually urgent, sweet-talking, or technical issue explanations.
- Regularly follow cyber safety news and awareness updates.
QR Code Scam Variants – Mumbai QR Code Scam
The Mumbai case is just one example of fake QR stickers being placed on restaurant tables, parking meters, and shop counters to divert payments, while scammers are also using social media and e-commerce sites for targeting buyers and sellers.
Related News and Rising Trends
Digital scams using QR codes are surging, with consumers and small business owners being frequent targets. Cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, and Jaipur have recently reported similar cases, and state cyber cells have launched awareness campaigns. Legal enforcement is tightening, with over 100 arrests in India since August 2025 for various QR-related and UPI scams
Practical Legal Advice – Mumbai QR Code Scam
If you are a victim:
- Act quickly report to authorities and preserve digital evidence.
- Seek expert advice for guidance from reporting to legal remedies.
- Monitor your bank statements and digital wallet activity for suspicious debits.
- Stay updated on legal changes and scam tactics.
Conclusion: Raising Digital Vigilance
The Mumbai QR code scam highlights the need for digital vigilance, regular updates in legal frameworks like BNS, and easier access to cyber law experts. Through awareness, quick reporting, and expert guidance can safeguard money and legal rights while helping curb the spread of digital fraud.
Also read about Hyderabad Cyber Fraud Bust: 61 Arrests Across 14 States
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