Swindlers Deploy Fictitious QR Codes - Bank Client Experiences Theft
In a recent press release, the police in Wolfsburg, Germany, have issued a warning about a new fraud technique called Quishing. This method, used by fraudsters, is designed to steal sensitive data, including personal and financial information.
The Quishing technique involves the use of fake QR codes that are placed in various locations such as emails, messages, and public places like parking machines. In Wolfsburg, a bank customer received a letter containing a fake QR code that led to a fraudulent website. As a result, several thousand euros were withdrawn from the customer's account.
To identify and avoid the Quishing technique, follow these key precautions:
- Verify the source before scanning: Be wary of scanning QR codes found in suspicious or unsecured places such as public parking bays, random posters, or replacement stickers placed over legitimate QR codes (e.g., on restaurant tables or payment terminals). Fraudsters often overlay fake QR codes on top of real ones to redirect users to malicious sites.
- Check for physical tampering: Look carefully if a QR code sticker seems out of place, newly attached, or covering an existing official QR code, which is common in quishing attacks targeting public infrastructure and businesses.
- Use QR code scanner apps that preview the URL: Before you open the link embedded in a QR code, use apps or built-in scanner features that show the full URL. Avoid scanning codes that direct you to strange or misspelled web domains, especially those prompting for login credentials or payments.
- Never enter sensitive information on websites accessed via QR codes unless you are absolutely sure it's legitimate. Malware or phishing sites can steal login details, credit card numbers, or install malware on your device.
- If you suspect you’ve been targeted by a quishing attack, immediately contact your financial institutions and change passwords. Do not respond to unsolicited calls or emails claiming to resolve these issues without verifying their authenticity.
- Stay informed about local scams: Following local advisories can help you stay alert. In Wolfsburg, as in other cities, public awareness campaigns or local news might report prevalent quishing scams.
- Avoid scanning QR codes from unknown emails/messages: Quishing can also come via email attachments or documents containing fake QR codes that lead to phishing sites.
Implementing these measures minimizes risk from quishing, especially where QR codes are widely used for payments, menus, or public information. The police do not specify any new locations where the Quishing technique has been discovered, but they advise caution with letters from banks, as fake letters often use a general greeting like "Dear Account Holder" instead of the actual name.
For further information, visit the police's website. If you encounter any suspicious QR codes or websites, they should be reported to the police. Stay vigilant and protect your personal and financial information.
- In the realm of technology, particularly financial transactions and general news, it's crucial to be cautious when encountering QR codes, especially those found in suspicious or unsecured places, as they might be part of a Quishing scam.
- With the increased use of QR codes in various aspects such as crime-and-justice systems, it's essential to verify their origin before scanning, as fake letters from banks with general greetings can also lead to Quishing attacks.
