More and more people are being swindled by scanning the QR code on the recharging point. When they open the site, they are asked to enter their bank details to make the payment. What they don't know is that cybercriminals have covered up the official QR code with another that links to a fraudulent site.
The crooks have thus obtained all their bank details and can now make withdrawals from their account.
QR codes are becoming increasingly widespread. They can be found everywhere in public spaces: charging points, parking bays, restaurant menus, etc.
Quishing", which is a contraction of the terms "QR code" and "phishing", is a type of scam in which fraudsters encourage their victims to scan malicious QR codes. These codes then redirect victims to malicious websites that look exactly like the supplier's site. On these sites, you will be encouraged to fill in your (banking) details or make a transfer.
- Avoid scanning QR codes in public places.
- Check the QR code visually. Isn't it a sticker stuck on the official QR code?
- Check the URL of the site to which the QR code links. A suspicious URL can be a red flag.
- Use secure QR code scanners. These allow you to check the security of a link before opening it.
- Keep your devices up to date: Regularly updating your devices and applications can protect you against known vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit.
In the same way as we encourage you to do with suspicious phishing emails, you can forward suspicious QR codes to suspicious@safeonweb.be, where they will be analysed.
- If you lose money or become the victim of extortion, we advise you to report it to the police. You can report it to the local police where you live.
- Contact your bank and/or Card Stop on 078 170 170 if you have passed on banking information, if money is disappearing from your bank account or if you have transferred money to a fraudster. This way, any fraudulent transactions can be blocked.
