In a startling incident at a Jollibee outlet in Waterway Point, a woman seeking a free ice cream treat unwittingly subscribed to an $8 monthly mobile service after scanning a seemingly innocuous QR code.

On November 1, a Facebook user named Andy Quek recounted his wife's unsettling experience. The couple had visited the popular fast-food chain, where a QR code displayed at the counter lured customers into completing a survey in exchange for complimentary ice cream. However, the moment she entered her phone number, she found herself unknowingly signed up for a service that would cost $7.99 on her Singtel bill.

Despite her prompt attempt to cancel the subscription, she was still billed the amount. This forced Quek to escalate the matter further, reaching out to Jollibee via social media platforms and even filing a police report.

In response to his complaint, Jollibee acknowledged the issue, promising a thorough investigation. Quek shared that Singtel offered him a one-time fee waiver for the subscription charge, but he refused, maintaining that this would allow the unscrupulous service to escape accountability. “It’s unfair for Singtel to absorb the loss while the ‘scam’ company profits. I’m standing my ground and pursuing Jollibee for the resolution,” he stated.

The incident has sparked further discussion online, with several netizens suggesting that the QR code may have been tampered with, potentially replaced by a fraudulent version that misled users. A commenter even noted that the webpage linked to the QR code was filled with "red flags," indicating that this might not be an isolated occurrence.

This disturbing incident is part of a growing trend of QR code scams targeting unsuspecting consumers. In May 2023, another victim—a 60-year-old woman—lost a staggering $20,000 after scanning a fraudulent QR code at a bubble tea shop that promised a free drink for survey completion. After downloading a dubious app, her phone was compromised, resulting in a theft from her bank account.

Authorities, including Singapore's Cyber Security Agency and local police, have repeatedly warned the public against the risks of scanning QR codes from untrusted sources, which can lead to malware installation and potential financial loss. These scams have become increasingly sophisticated, preying on the convenience of digital transactions and survey promotions.

As consumers become more reliant on technology in their daily transactions, the need for vigilance has never been greater. Always verify the legitimacy of QR codes and the offers associated with them to protect personal and financial information.

Stay tuned for updates on this ongoing situation with Jollibee, and remember: if it seems too good to be true, it probably is!