Increased QR Code Scam Alerts: Consumers Urged to Exercise Caution - Increased Deceptions through QR Codes: Consumer Advocates Issue Alerts
Increased Incidences of 'Quishing' Fraud: A Growing Concern for Consumers
In a concerning turn of events, the number of incidents involving 'Quishing' - a form of digital fraud utilizing QR codes - has drastically risen, consumer advocates have warned. Last year, there were significantly more instances of this scam across North Rhine-Westphalia, as reported by the Consumer Center in Düsseldorf. Previously, such occurrences were rare.
This practice, dubbed 'Quishing', combines 'QR code' and 'phishing'. Malicious actors have been affixing fake QR codes to various public amenities, such as electric charging stations, parking machines, advertising posters, and even letters disguised as bank correspondence.
The scam extends beyond digital platforms, with transportation vehicles like Düsseldorf buses and unsuspecting drivers targeted through notes containing QR codes leading to fraudulent online payment options. Placed on posters for prize draws, these false codes direct users to sham websites, requesting their data for participation in the contest, instead of the promised prize.
Recalling the scams from early 2021, consumer advocate Christian Urban notes, "Criminals had misused logos of well-known banks, for example, to ask for a security procedure to be renewed via the QR code." Although the activity subsided for a few years, the scam has gained momentum once more in 2024. As Urban cautions, "Quishing can appear anywhere, making it highly perilous."
To mitigate the risks, the Consumer Center advises individuals to approach QR code scanning critically. Users should ensure they are visiting legitimate websites and performing due diligence before entering sensitive data or completing financial transactions. Suspicious website addresses, such as those with unusual letter sequences or punctuation, should raise red flags.
Additionally, users should scrutinize QR codes applied to public machines, as sometimes the scam can be identified by fake codes being placed over the real details of the authorized operator. For those already affected by the scam, promptly contacting the bank or the emergency hotline 116 116 is crucial.
In an effort to combat these fraudulent activities, consumers are urged to stay vigilant and report any suspicious QR code incidents to local authorities. Reaching out to local consumer protection services, such as the Verbraucherzentrale Nordrhein-Westfalen, can provide valuable resources and guidance in navigating such incidents.
Community policy should include measures to raise awareness about the growing concern of 'Quishing' fraud, especially in light of its increased incidents across various industries such as finance and technology. Employment policy can be utilized to train staff at public amenities to identify and report any suspicious QR codes affixed to their premises. General-news outlets should also play a role in educating the public about this digital fraud, thus ensuring they are informed and able to protect themselves against such scams. Lastly, crime-and-justice policies should focus on prosecuting the perpetrators of 'Quishing' fraud, ensuring that such activities are deterrred in the future.
