Red alarm level: police warn of dangerous quishing of parking machines!

Red alarm level: police warn of dangerous quishing of parking machines!

In the past few weeks, a disturbing phenomenon in northern Germany has gained importance: fraudsters use fake QR codes to trick unsuspecting drivers on parking machines. This stitch, known as "quishing"-a dangerous combination of QR code and phishing-represents a significant danger. How RND were reported in numerous cities, including Hannover, Celle and Dortmund, in which Manipulated QR codes were glued over.

The fraudsters attach staged QR stickers that cover the real codes that are intended for legitimate apps such as Easypark or Paybyphone. Once scanned, users are directed to fake websites, where their personal data such as credit card numbers or vehicle license plates are queried. This process is so convincing that many victims do not even notice that they are cheated until it is too late. An example from Goslar shows how a driver was debited a four -digit sum after scanning such codes.

recognition of manipulated QR codes

A crucial point for recognizing this fraud stitch is to pay attention to the following warning signs: QR codes that are glued on, instead of being printed directly, quickly awake. In addition, URLs should be checked for unusual endings or the use of short links. It is particularly important to make sure that the web address begins with HTTPS and a lock symbol is displayed in the browser. Typing errors or additional characters in the web addresses are also signs of a possible fraud.

For protection against such attacks, experts recommend opening the park app manually instead of scanning QR codes. Likewise, apps should only be loaded from official stores and, if possible, cash payments should be used. Anyone who suspects to have become the victim of a quishing attack should immediately block their credit card about the central blocking emergency call (116 116) and inform their bank.

similar fraud and warnings

But not only fake QR codes are a problem on parking machines. According to ZDF place criminals also in emails, letters or in public space to attract users to fraudulent websites. The Lower Saxony State Criminal Police Office warns of fake QR codes, which can lead to false banking pages and thus tap the real online banking data of the users. So far, those affected in Lower Saxony have only reacted in good time and were able to avert major financial damage.

The police have already carried out controls at various parking machines and has ensured suspicious stickers. Investigations in the cybercrime area also run to curb these fraud stitches. The consumer advice centers advise to be particularly careful and, if in doubt, prefer to choose a direct payment method.

The popularity with which QR codes are used makes it an attractive goal for fraudsters. Therefore, it is all the more important to be well informed about the risks and to consider the few signs that could indicate an attempted fraud. Stay vigilant so that you will not be victims of quishing out of carelessness!