Financial payment scams are unfortunately prevalent around us, evolving and adapting to target unsuspecting individuals and businesses. One such emerging threat is the rise of “Quishing,” a form of phishing scam that exploits QR codes to deceive people into giving away personal information or downloading malware.
What Is A Quishing Scam?
The term “Quishing” is derived from “QR phishing,” combining the two aspects of the scam. Phishing is a deceptive attempt to steal personal information by posing as a legitimate entity, such as passwords, credit card numbers, or other sensitive data.
How Quishing Works:
- Fake QR Code Creation: Scammers create a fake QR code and place it on stickers, posters, or overlay it on legitimate QR codes in public places.
- Innocent Appearance: The fake code may appear to link to a website, payment portal, or offer a discount or reward.
- Misdirection: When scanned, the code redirects to a malicious website instead of the intended destination.
- Information Theft: The malicious website aims to steal information by tricking users into entering login credentials, personal details, or financial information.
- Malware Download: Malicious codes hidden within the QR code can infect devices, stealing data or giving attackers remote access.
Tips to Avoid Falling Victim:
- Cautious Scanning: Be cautious when scanning QR codes, especially from unknown or suspicious sources.
- Link Verification: Verify the link encoded in the QR code using a QR code reader app that displays the destination before scanning.
- Check for Tampering: Real QR codes are usually well-aligned; be wary of blurry, misaligned, or damaged codes.
- Trustworthy Sources: Scan codes only from trusted sources; if unsure, verify the legitimacy with the intended source.
- Secure QR Code Reader: Use a secure QR code reader app that allows you to preview the link before scanning and warns of potential risks.
- Avoid Entering Sensitive Information: Never share personal or financial details on websites reached through untrusted QR codes.
By staying vigilant and following these tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to QR phishing scams and protect your personal information from fraudsters.
