Legal information notice: this article provides general information and isn't a substitute for advice from a qualified lawyer.
A delivery person hands you a slip with a QR code and says, “Scan this to confirm delivery,” or a “courier support” caller says scanning a code will release a refund or fix an address. Scanning a code that leads to a UPI payment screen does not confirm anything — it sends money. This guide is about the QR angle specifically: how it’s used around parcels and deliveries, and why scanning is never how you receive money.
Entering your UPI PIN is only needed to send money. If a QR code, a link, or a “collect request” leads to a screen asking for your PIN, you’re paying, whatever the person on the phone says it’s for. A genuine delivery confirmation never needs a payment or a PIN.
Use the official number to block UPI on the account and report the unauthorised debit. Speed affects your options.
Note the amount, time, transaction ID, and the receiver’s UPI ID or name from your app’s history.
Report at cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930, attaching a photo of the QR code and the message.
After your bank confirms the account is safe, set a new UPI PIN you haven’t used before.
Keep the code, the slip or message, and the caller’s number. Don’t scan it again.
If a delivery person insists you scan a code, you can simply say you’ll confirm through the app and take the parcel only if it matches your order. A genuine delivery never depends on you scanning something that asks for your PIN.
| Genuine | Scam Pattern |
|---|---|
| Confirmed through the app or in-person OTP for your order | A QR code that opens a UPI payment screen |
| No payment needed to receive a refund | Says you must scan or pay to 'release' a refund |
| No PIN prompt | UPI app asks for your PIN to 'confirm' |
No. Reporting to your bank and cybercrime.gov.in is free.
Yes. A lawyer is relevant if your bank disputes liability for a promptly reported case.
Need professional legal help with this?
Find a Lawyer on VidyodaySee our detailed guides on fake QR code scams, the UPI collect request scam, and the complete online shopping fraud guide.
Yes, when the code opens a UPI payment screen and you approve it with your PIN.
Refunds go back to your original payment method automatically; you never scan a code or enter a PIN to receive one.
Decline to scan and confirm through the app; take the parcel only if it matches your order.
It depends on speed and circumstances; report to your bank and 1930 immediately.
Yes, as evidence: a photo of the code and the message it came with.
No payment is made without your PIN, but report the code and avoid further contact.
Not always, but if it opens a payment or PIN screen, don’t proceed.
This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Payment apps change — never approve a payment you didn’t intend to make.
