Daijiworld Media Network - Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh, Jan 12: Business owners in Khajuraho were left shocked when customers' payments, made via QR codes, failed to reach their accounts. CCTV footage later revealed a group of fraudsters covertly replacing the original QR codes at multiple establishments during the night.

The scam targeted around six businesses, redirecting payments to accounts linked to the fraudsters, who remain unidentified. Among the affected was Omvati Gupta, the owner of Rajesh Medical Stores. She discovered the fraud when a customer alerted her that the account linked to the QR code displayed a different name.

Similarly, a petrol pump fell victim to the scheme. An employee noted, “Customers were transferring money, but it wasn’t showing in our account. When we checked, the scanner showed the name Chotu Tiwari. We immediately removed the scanner.”

Khajuraho police station in-charge Atul Dixit confirmed receiving reports about the scam but mentioned that no formal complaints had been filed yet. He assured that an investigation is underway and expressed confidence that the perpetrators would be apprehended soon.

This incident highlights a growing trend in cyber fraud across Madhya Pradesh. In the state’s winter assembly session, Chief minister Mohan Yadav shared alarming statistics on rising digital scams. In 2024, the state recorded 26 cases of "digital arrest" fraud, involving criminals impersonating law enforcement to extort over Rs12.6 crore—a staggering 130% increase from 2023.

Despite efforts to combat cybercrime, only Rs 72.38 lakh (5.74%) of the extorted amount in 2024 was recovered. Over the past two years, Madhya Pradesh residents have suffered losses exceeding Rs 150 crore due to cyber fraud.

This QR code scam underscores the urgent need for enhanced digital security measures and public awareness to prevent further incidents of financial fraud.