A concerning new trend involving QR codes is putting smartphone users at risk of falling victim to hackers and losing money. Dubbed “quishing,” this deceptive tactic is on the rise, with criminals manipulating QR codes in car parks and online shopping platforms to steal personal and financial information.
Action Fraud has issued a warning about the increasing prevalence of quishing attacks, which are costing individuals millions annually. Criminals are using fake stickers to alter legitimate QR codes on parking machines, particularly targeting car parks. Additionally, quishing is occurring through email scams on online shopping platforms, where sellers are tricked into scanning QR codes to verify accounts or receive payment.
Claire Webb, Acting Director of Action Fraud, emphasized the importance of vigilance when scanning QR codes, urging the public to scrutinize for any signs of tampering, especially in open spaces like car parks. Action Fraud advises against using QR code scanning apps from third-party app stores and recommends utilizing the built-in QR scanner on smartphones for added security.
To stay safe, individuals should exercise caution when encountering QR codes in emails and public spaces, ensuring they have not been altered with stickers. Action Fraud underlines the risks associated with scanning QR codes in high-traffic areas like stations and car parks and advises against scanning if there are any doubts about the code’s legitimacy.
While QR codes offer convenience, it is essential to remain cautious and verify the authenticity of codes before scanning them on mobile devices.