A “buyer” on OLX or Facebook Marketplace sends you a QR code to “receive your payment”. Scanning it actually takes money out of your account. This scam has defrauded thousands of students selling second-hand items online.
What Is This Scam?
Scammers pose as buyers on second-hand platforms. When the seller agrees to a deal, the scammer sends a QR code claiming it will transfer money to the seller’s account. In reality, the QR code is a payment request that debits the seller’s account rather than crediting it. Some QR codes also redirect to phishing pages that steal banking credentials entirely.
How It Works
- 1Scammer contacts you on OLX, Facebook Marketplace, or Quikr expressing interest in your listed item.
- 2Agrees to your asking price immediately without any negotiation — which itself is a red flag.
- 3Sends a QR code via WhatsApp or the platform’s chat, saying “scan this to receive your payment”.
- 4Victim scans the QR code and is prompted to enter their UPI PIN to “confirm receipt”.
- 5Money is debited from the victim’s account and transferred to the scammer instantly.
⚠ Red Flags to Watch For
- Buyer sends a QR code to “pay you” — legitimate buyers do not send QR codes to sellers
- Agrees to your price too quickly with absolutely no negotiation
- Requests your UPI ID “to send payment” but then sends a QR code instead
- Claims to be in the military or posted abroad and cannot meet in person
- Extreme urgency to complete the transaction on the same day
What to Do If You Are Targeted
Reject the QR code and demand a simple bank transfer via NEFT or IMPS, or cash on delivery. Never scan QR codes sent by strangers to “receive” any payment — QR codes are only ever used for making payments, not receiving them. If you have already been scammed, call your bank immediately to block further transactions and request a chargeback. File a report at cybercrime.gov.in as quickly as possible.
✅ Stay Safe Checklist
- QR codes are for paying — they are never used to receive money
- For second-hand sales, accept only cash on delivery or NEFT/IMPS bank transfer
- Never share your UPI ID with strangers if it is linked to your primary savings account
- Meet buyers in person for second-hand sales whenever possible
- Report suspicious buyer profiles on OLX and Facebook Marketplace immediately