QR Code Scam Alert: New Malware Threat Steals Bank Data, Emptying Accounts

• Initial QR code frauds involved swapping merchant QR codes, leading to payments being diverted to fraudsters' accounts, as seen in Delhi, petrol pumps, Mohali, and Hyderabad.
• A new, more dangerous cybercrime involves fake QR code stickers that, when scanned, prompt users to click a link.
• Clicking this link downloads an .apk malware file onto the mobile device without the user's knowledge.
• The malware steals all mobile data, including bank login screenshots, photos, videos, text messages, IDs, and passwords, sending them to the hacker.
• To avoid this, use physical cash for small transactions, carefully check QR codes for tampering, verify merchant names, and never click suspicious links during payment.

Why It Matters: Beware of new QR code scams that install malware to steal data and empty bank accounts; always verify and avoid suspicious links.