Fraud by false QR codes: How to protect yourself on parking machines!
Fraud by false QR codes: How to protect yourself on parking machines!
In the past few months, the police have increasingly warned of a new fraud stitch, which is particularly common on parking machines and in public transport: the so -called "quishing". But what is behind this term? He consists of "QR code" and "phishing" and describes the abuse of QR codes to get sensitive data or money. In our digital time, scanning of QR codes has become everyday life, which makes it particularly easy to promote their nasty machinations. According to fris Electric cars. When unsuspecting users scan the codes, they end up on fake websites that are elegantly disguised as a real company pages.
The reports of victims who fell for such stitches are particularly alarming. A case from Celle shows how a damaged person scans a fake sticker on a parking machine and suddenly had several hundred euros less on his account. In order to protect themselves from these fraudsters, the police in Freiburg recommend five important tips:
tips for safety when scanning QR codes
- Always check QR codes for official signage.
- Take a close look at the URL before opening it, especially for shortened links.
- Use official apps and enter zone codes manually.
- Do not scan strange QR codes if you are unsure.
- Find out more about payment services before you complete online purchases.
The consumer advocates point out that the financial fraudsters also spread their tricks through mail mail-for example through fake critices or advertising documents that claim that there are gifts or discounts. These QR codes often lead to harmful content or incorrect websites. In 2021, for example, emails were discovered that contained harmful QR codes and abused official logos of well-known banks. Even in the current year, attempted fraud cases have appeared, in which QR codes served in alleged ADAC emails to pick up personal data, such as consumer center.
To ensure that QR codes are not fraudulent, consumers can also use special apps that display the information before opening. The use of outdated QR scanners can also lead to the disclosure of personal information, since not all smartphones display the target URLs before activation. If you discover suspicious QR codes or have attempted fraud, both by the police and consumer advocates are advised to report immediately.
How do you protect yourself from quishing?
Take the information from consumer protectors seriously. Be careful not to scan QR codes if you can assess their origin as trustworthy. In the event of doubt, it is advisable to check the services in question via official contact points. The Lower Saxony Consumer Center also offers free consultations on such topics in order to be able to clarify and help those affected, as they emphasize in their article: "A testing of documents during an appointment is possible", such as consumer center-niedersachsen.de listed.
Times have become insecure, and fraudsters are inventive than ever. It is therefore important to stay vigilant and keep this advice in mind. Only those who are informed can protect themselves and their finances.
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| Ort | Celle, Deutschland |
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