Police warn: Avoid fake QR codes to parking machines!

Police warn: Avoid fake QR codes to parking machines!

In the past few days, a new fraud is a matter of talking, which causes unrest, especially in northern Germany. The police warn of fake QR codes that have been attached to parking machines. This stitch, which is referred to as "quishing", uses the careless use of QR codes to lead to unsuspecting users to financial losses. Data protection officers and IT experts recommend being particularly attentive when QR codes are scanned because they are presented as a tempting option in different public areas.

as the Golem.de Subjects are used to steal sensitive personal data and payment information. This can become a financial stumbling block, especially in strongly frequented places such as parking spaces. QR codes are often used that imitate legitimate services to lure unsuspecting users on phishing websites.

How does quishing works?

fraudsters simply place fake QR codes next to the originals, and if someone scans it, they end up on a fake website. For example, this could offer a fake payment option, where the entered credit card details are tapped off. The dangers of this stitch increase the higher the frequency of visitor flows.

Security measures that can help against Quishing include:

• Check the URL carefully before scanning the QR code.
to use
• QR code scanner that display a URL preview.
• always enter the URL manually in the browser instead of scanning the QR code.
• to pay attention to SSL certificates (i.e. safe pages begin with "https" and show a lock symbol).
• to check on links and domains with tools such as the F-Secure Link Checker.
• Reviews of online shops to check in trustworthy evaluation portals.
• security apps to identify and block potential threats.

dangers at major events

The threat from fake QR codes cannot only be found locally. A large number of fake domains have already been registered on the occasion of the upcoming Olympic Games 2024 in Paris. Almost 200 of these "fake websites" have imitated legitimate competition in the search results with names such as "Parisolympics2024.Store" or "Shop-Olympics.shop". Users who wanted to buy souvenirs or tickets there unwittingly also gave their credit card data, which ended in an evil awakening for many. Security-insider describes the increased danger especially during such major events, where the interest is too great and the caution is often not given.

It is all the more important to keep an eye on your own online security. Anyone who scans QR codes should always do this with a healthy distrust and make sure that the URL shown is trustworthy.

It is up to us to remain attentive and informed - especially at a time when the digital world is full of risks. The police and Cybersecurity-Expert: Inside, it is essential to find out exactly before using QR codes and, if in doubt