QR code fraud: police register case against six toll plaza employees in Kozhikode

The National Highway toll system in India relies on FASTag, a radio‑frequency identification device that automatically deducts the toll amount from a linked account. Vehicles that do not have a FASTag are required to pay manually at the booth, where a QR code generated by the authorized system records the transaction. In Kozhikode, investigators say a group of six employees at a toll plaza replaced the official QR code with codes linked to private bank accounts, allowing them to collect cash that should have gone to the toll authority.

According to the police report, the employees identified vehicles without FASTag and approached drivers with the altered QR codes, presenting them as the standard payment method. The private accounts received the full toll amount, while the official records showed no transaction, effectively creating a hidden revenue stream for the culprits. The fraud was uncovered after a discrepancy was noted in the daily toll reconciliation, prompting a surprise audit that traced the missing funds to the private QR codes. The investigation linked the six workers to the creation and distribution of the fraudulent codes, and they were arrested on charges of cheating and criminal conspiracy.

State officials have responded by tightening oversight at toll plazas across Kerala, including mandatory verification of QR code generators and regular audits of cash collections. The police have also launched a public awareness campaign urging drivers to verify the authenticity of QR codes before scanning them, especially when using cash payments. For commuters in Kerala, the case underscores the importance of using FASTag and being vigilant about payment methods, as toll revenue supports road maintenance and safety projects that benefit daily travelers.