Fraud through false QR codes: How to protect yourself at parking machines!

Fraud through false QR codes: How to protect yourself at parking machines!

In recent months, the police have increasingly warned of a new scam that is particularly widespread at parking meters and on public transport: so-called “quishing”. But what does this term mean? It is made up of “QR code” and “phishing” and describes the misuse of QR codes to obtain sensitive data or money. In our digital age, scanning QR codes has become commonplace, making it particularly easy for fraudsters to further their malicious schemes. Loud fr.de The fraud attempts are often carried out by pasting over QR codes on parking ticket machines or charging stations for electric cars. When unsuspecting users scan the codes, they end up on fake websites that are elegantly disguised as real company sites.

The reports from victims who fell for such scams are particularly alarming. A case from Celle shows how an injured party scanned a fake sticker at a parking machine and suddenly had several hundred euros less in his account. To protect yourself from these fraudsters, the police in Freiburg recommend five important tips:

Tips for safety when scanning QR codes

• Überprüfen Sie QR-Codes immer auf offizielle Beschilderung.
• Sehen Sie sich die URL genau an, bevor Sie sie öffnen, insbesondere bei verkürzten Links.
• Nutzen Sie offizielle Apps und geben Sie Zonencodes manuell ein.
• Scannen Sie keine seltsamen QR-Codes, wenn Sie sich unsicher sind.
• Informieren Sie sich über Zahlungsdienste, bevor Sie online Einkäufe abschließen.

Consumer advocates point out that financial fraudsters also spread their tricks via post - for example through fake traffic tickets or advertising documents that claim there are gifts or discounts to be won. These QR codes often lead to malicious content or fake websites. For example, in 2021, emails were discovered that contained malicious QR codes and misused official logos of well-known banks. In the current year, attempted fraud cases have repeatedly emerged in which QR codes in alleged ADAC emails were used to access personal data, such as consumerzentrale.de reported.

To ensure QR codes are not fraudulent, consumers can also use special apps that display the information before opening it. Using outdated QR scanners can also lead to the disclosure of personal information, as not all smartphones display the destination URLs before activation. If you discover suspicious QR codes or have experienced a fraud attempt, both the police and consumer advocates strongly recommend that you contact us immediately.

How do you protect yourself from quishing?

Take the advice of consumer advocates seriously. Make sure to only scan QR codes if you can trust their origin. If in doubt, it is advisable to check the services in question through official contact points. The Lower Saxony consumer advice center also offers free advice on such topics in order to provide information and help those affected, as they point out in their article: “It is possible to check documents during an appointment”, such as consumerzentrale-niedersachsen.de leads.

Times have become uncertain and fraudsters are more inventive than ever. Therefore, it is important to remain vigilant and keep this advice in mind. Only those who are informed can protect themselves and their finances.