QR Code Scamming – Look before you scan

28 June 2024

Quick Response (QR) codes have become increasingly popular due to their convenience and ease of use. From restaurant menus and payment systems to event tickets and information sharing, QR codes offer a seamless way to access digital content quickly. They can be easily created by anyone using online QR Code generators. However, this convenience comes with a hidden risk: QR code scamming.

What is QR Code Scamming?

QR code scamming involves malicious actors creating and distributing fraudulent QR codes to deceive users. When scanned, these codes can lead users to phishing sites, download malware, or access fraudulent payment portals. As QR codes do not visually indicate the destination URL, users often unknowingly expose themselves to significant cybersecurity risks.

How QR Code Scams Work:

  1. Phishing Attacks: Scammers create QR codes that direct users to fake websites designed to steal personal information such as login credentials, bank details, or social security numbers. These sites often look legitimate, making it difficult for users to distinguish them from the real ones.
  2. Malware Distribution: Malicious QR codes can trigger the download of malware onto the user’s device. This malware can then be used to steal sensitive data, track user activity, or even take control of the device.
  3. Fraudulent Payments: Scammers use QR codes to redirect payments to their own accounts. This is particularly dangerous in contexts like mobile payments and donations, where users might unknowingly send money to the wrong recipient.

Real-World Examples:

– Restaurant Menus: During the COVID-19 pandemic, many restaurants adopted QR codes for contactless menus. Scammers took advantage of this by placing fake QR codes on tables, leading diners to phishing sites or fraudulent payment pages.

– Parking Meters: In some cities, scammers have placed fraudulent QR codes on parking meters. Scanning these codes directs drivers to fake payment websites, where their payment information is stolen. Recently councils in the UK warned users that fraudulent QR Codes were being stuck onto their payment machines.

How to Protect Yourself:

  1. Verify Before Scanning: Ensure the QR code is from a trusted source. Be cautious of codes found in public places or unsolicited messages.
  2. Use a QR Scanner with Security Features: Some QR scanner apps offer security features that can detect malicious links before opening them. There are a number of products that do this such as Kaspersky QR Scanner.
  3. Check the URL: After scanning a QR code, verify the URL before taking any action. Look for signs of a secure connection (https) and check for any discrepancies in the URL.

Conclusion:

While QR codes offer significant convenience, they also present new avenues for cybercriminals to exploit. By staying vigilant and adopting safe scanning practices, users can protect themselves from the rising threat of QR code scamming. As technology evolves, so too must our awareness and security practices to stay one step ahead of cyber threats.

Speak to our security team at Archway Securities to find out more.

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