Beware of fraudsters replacing QR codes in public places
27 February 15:55
The Cyber Police of Ukraine reports a new wave of fraudulent activities related to the substitution of QR codes in public places. According to law enforcement officials, criminals place fake codes on information boards and in crowded places, which allows them to steal personal banking data, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
The most common cases of fraud are recorded in places where QR codes are actively used for quick payments – in parking lots, public transport, at the entrance to events and when making charitable contributions.
“The peculiarity of this scheme is that it is almost impossible to visually distinguish a high-quality fake code from a real one. The main danger is phishing sites that users get to after scanning fake codes,”
– the agency notes.
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How to protect yourself from fraudsters
Cyberpolice suggests following a number of security measures:
- Scan QR codes only from trusted sources, avoiding random stickers, leaflets, or advertisements.
- Before scanning, check the sticker for signs of tampering (additional layer, uneven edges, different font).
- Use the link preview function available in most modern smartphones.
- Always pay attention to the web address after clicking on the QR code – any differences in the domain may indicate fraud.
- Make sure you have a secure connection (https://) before entering any information.
- Do not enter banking data on unknown websites unless necessary.
- If you find a suspicious QR code, immediately notify the administration of the institution, the support service or law enforcement agencies.
- Use virtual or temporary cards for online payments.
“If you do become a victim of fraud, immediately contact your bank to block the card and file an electronic appeal with the cyber police,”
– law enforcement officials emphasize.
According to law enforcement agencies, the number of QR code fraud cases increased by 27% compared to last year, which indicates the systemic nature of this type of cybercrime.
