How to avoid a dangerous QR code scam targeting devotees before the inauguration of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya

A new online scam has emerged on the final day of the year, ensnaring numerous unsuspecting individuals. The inauguration ceremony for the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is set to commence on January 16, with the consecration of Ram Lalla scheduled for January 22. In anticipation of this significant event, certain malicious individuals are posing as representatives of the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra, the trust responsible for the construction and management of the Ram Mandir, and soliciting donations from people. These scammers are employing a QR code scheme, providing a counterfeit QR code to redirect funds into their own accounts.

Vishwa Hindu Parishad spokesperson Vinod Bansal raised awareness about QR code scam to X where he posted about this dangerous scam. He said, “Beware! Some people are trying to cheat money by making fake IDs in the name of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra. @HMOIndia @CPDelhi @dgpup @Uppolice should take immediate action against such people. @ShriRamTeerth has not authorized anyone to collect funds for this occasion” (roughly translated).

The QR code scam targets hobbyists

Bansal also shared screenshots of such QR codes shared by fake pages on social media platforms like Facebook, pretending to be part of an official trust. But when you scan the code, you’ll see that the account holder’s name is completely different from what the scammers claimed in their messages.

The VHP leader revealed that the organization has lodged a formal complaint with the UP Director General and the Inspector General of Police. He said he hoped the authorities would “take immediate action on matters of faith”.

The official complaint stated, “A miscreant named Abhishek Kumar is seeking funds for Ayodhya Temple Development and is using social media to spread such false information. He has been posting UPI QR codes on Facebook groups with the line ‘Ram Mandir Ayodhya Chanda pradarshan karen’. Upon scanning the QR code, UPI directs to the UPI ID of the user whose name is Manisha Nallabelly.

How to avoid QR code scams

1. Never scan a QR code on social media platforms or randomly on the Internet. Always check precedents.

2. When scanning the QR code through the UPI app, always remember to check the name of the account holder.

3. If the name seems suspicious or incorrect, contact the person you are trying to transfer funds to or the official organization.

4. Don’t even scan such codes for fun. They may contain spyware or malware that can spread to your device even without you initiating the transaction.

5. Always report such fraudulent messages so that the platform can quickly remove them and others can be saved from such scams.