"Alert customer and CCTV footage reveal a scam involving QR code replacement at shops in Khajuraho, exposing a growing trend in cyber fraud."
January 13, 2025: Several shops in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, fell victim to a cunning QR code scam when a group of fraudsters replaced legitimate payment scanners with their own overnight. This fraudulent activity resulted in payments being diverted to the accounts of the accused, leaving shop owners baffled when transactions failed to reflect in their business accounts.
The scam came to light when a vigilant customer pointed out discrepancies in the payment system at Rajesh Medical Stores. Omvati Gupta, the shop owner, was informed by the customer that the linked account name on the QR code had been changed.
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A petrol pump was also among the targeted establishments. An employee recounted how multiple customers complained about successful transactions that were not credited to the pump’s account. On closer inspection, the QR code scanner revealed the name "Chotu Tiwari" as the recipient, prompting the staff to remove the fraudulent scanner immediately.
Khajuraho police station in-charge Atul Dixit confirmed that cases of cheating had been reported to him, though no formal complaints had been filed yet. He assured that an investigation is underway, expressing confidence in apprehending the culprits soon.
Growing Cybercrime in Madhya Pradesh:
This incident highlights the alarming rise in cyber fraud across the state. During the recent winter session of the Madhya Pradesh Vidhan Sabha, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav disclosed that cyber fraud cases had seen a steep increase. In 2024, over 26 cases of "digital arrest" scams, where cybercriminals impersonated law enforcement, resulted in losses exceeding ₹12.6 crore — a staggering 130% rise compared to 2023.
Of the ₹12.6 crore defrauded in 2024, only ₹72.38 lakh (5.74%) was recovered. Over the past two years, Madhya Pradesh residents lost more than ₹150 crore to cyber fraud, reflecting the growing threat of digital crimes.
What’s Next:
Authorities have urged shopkeepers to remain vigilant and regularly verify their payment systems to prevent similar scams. The police are relying on CCTV footage to identify the culprits and ensure justice is served.
Tags:
QR Code Scam, Cyber Fraud in Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho Shops, QR Code Fraudsters, Digital Scams, Cybersecurity, Madhya Pradesh News, Cybercrime Statistics
