QR code fraud targets Ayodhya devotees

New Delhi: With weeks left for the grand Ram Temple consecration in Ayodhya, a racket involved in deception and fraud in the guise of collecting donations for the construction from the devotees has come to light, leading to a call for action by the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP).

The right-wing body has even issued a warning on social media asking people not to fall prey to the scam and exposing a cybercriminal network circulating social media messages soliciting donations.

The incorporation of QR codes enables criminals to swindle money through a simple scan-and-pay process.

The scam came to light after reports of social media messages and phone calls urging individuals to donate to the temple. One recipient of such a call shared the number with VHP workers, leading to a revelation of the fraudsters' tactics.

VHP spokesperson Vinod Bansal sounded the alarm, underscoring that the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra, the trust responsible for overseeing the temple's construction, has not authorized any individual or group to collect funds on its behalf. The matter has been officially reported to the home ministry, with notifications sent to police authorities in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh.

In a statement, Bansal expressed concern about the “ugly” attempts to exploit the auspicious occasion for fraudulent gains. He emphasized, “Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Nyas has not authorized anyone to collect funds. I have written to the home ministry, Uttar Pradesh DGP, and Delhi’s Commissioner of Police, seeking strict action so that people do not fall prey to such frauds. People need to be careful too.” He categorically stated, “This is an occasion for joy, we are sending out invitations. We will not accept any donation.”

The VHP has released an audio clip of a recorded phone call, although the authenticity of it remains unverified. In the call, a VHP worker posed as a potential donor, expressing the intent to contribute Rs 11,000, and reported that others in the village were also keen to make donations.

The alleged fraudster on the other end requested a WhatsApp number to send the QR code. To further deceive the caller, the scammer claimed to be documenting the names and contact details of donors, promising invitations to the Ram Temple once construction was completed. Shockingly, the fraudster introduced a divisive narrative, alleging a conflict between Hindu and Muslim societies hindering temple construction and justifying the collection of donations.

The QR code scan scam has become increasingly common with scammers making people scan a malicious QR code or deceive people by making them think it is for a dedicated purpose.