USERS are being urged to verify all details carefully before transferring money using QR (quick response) codes, in order to avoid becoming victims of fraud.
Cybersecurity expert Adlyn Adam Teoh warned that without proper checks, users could be exposed to the risk of legitimate QR codes being replaced with fraudulent ones.
“In general, users also face difficulty in identifying whether a QR code is genuine or fake unless it is thoroughly scrutinised,” Sinar Harian reported her saying.
“Many users skip verification and proceed to transfer funds in haste. This is very risky because you may end up sending money to the wrong account.
“Often, we cannot be certain whether the QR code is genuine. Therefore, it is crucial to verify its authenticity. The individual scanning the QR code must ensure the recipient is the correct beneficiary.”
Adlyn advised that once the QR code is scanned, users should confirm the recipient’s name and transaction amount with the payee before proceeding with the transfer.
“This simple yet effective approach can help avoid mistakes or potential problems,” she added.
News reports have highlighted the growing use of QR codes among Malaysians across various services, from banking and contact sharing to food ordering.
However, cybersecurity firm Kaspersky has also issued a warning to the public to remain vigilant amid the rise in scams linked to QR code usage.
Adlyn added the importance of continued public awareness campaigns to reduce the risk of users falling prey to such scams.
“Individuals scanning QR codes must also take proactive steps, such as confirming the beneficiary’s name and transaction amount on screen before hitting the confirmation button,” she reiterated. - April 28, 2025
