The common UPI QR code scams in India (2026)
The patterns Bachao is tuned for: (1) Fake-QR sticker swap — a scammer pastes their own QR over a genuine shop QR, so your money goes to them; (2) Look-alike VPA — a UPI ID one character off a trusted brand (yb1 instead of ybl, paytrn instead of paytm); (3) Bait-keyword handle — IDs built around ‘refund’, ‘KYC update’, ‘cashback reward’ or ‘prize claim’ to manufacture urgency; (4) Pre-filled high amount — a QR that quietly fills in a large sum hoping you pay without checking; (5) Quishing — a QR that hides a phishing link instead of a payment. Each of these is a thing your phone would otherwise act on automatically.


