SATURDAY, MAY 18, 2024
Team Herald
Ponda police receives two formal complaints of fraudulent activities in the Ponda area. It is seen that where QR codes, intended for seamless digital transactions, were altered, resulting in substantial fraud. Currently, shopkeepers are vulnerable to exploitation through QR code manipulation, leading to significant financial losses.
In a recent incident at Tisk Ponda, a shopkeeper's QR code, used for customer transactions, was found to have been tampered with. Customers, unaware of the alteration, continued to deposit money online, only to discover later that their payments did not reach the intended account. Similar fraudulent practices were observed in Warkhande, where another shopkeeper fell victim to QR code manipulation.
These incidents highlight a concerning trend of financial exploitation, prompting some shopkeepers to temporarily suspend online services as a precautionary measure. Law enforcement authorities suspect that such fraud schemes may extend beyond Ponda, urging heightened vigilance among all merchants.
Investigations into these incidents are complicated by the immediate transfer of looted funds to accounts in different states, impeding law enforcement efforts. Additionally, the absence of security measures, such as surveillance cameras or audible transaction notifications, exacerbates the vulnerability of shopkeepers to such fraudulent activities.
Authorities advise shopkeepers to exercise caution and maintain vigilance while conducting digital transactions. Collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies and local businesses are essential to mitigate the risks associated with QR code fraud and ensure the integrity of online transactions.
