QRishing

👉 QR codes are convenient, but can put your personal information at risk.

👉 Criminals can steal passwords, banking details, and even infect your device with malware.

 

How to be safer:

​​✅ Avoid downloading apps via QR codes - Instead, use verified app stores like the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to ensure you're installing legitimate applications.

✅ Refrain from conducting financial transactions through QR codes - as scammers can use them to redirect you to fraudulent websites designed to steal your money or personal information.

✅ Before scanning - check if the QR code appears to be a sticker placed over another code or if it looks suspicious. Criminals may replace legitimate codes with malicious ones.

✅ When filling out forms accessed via QR codes - provide only the minimum required personal information. Be cautious if a form requests details that seem unnecessary for the context.

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Think before you scan:

​​​👉 If a criminal had access to your connection or data right now, what could they see?

👉​ Stay safe, take control of your cyber security.

 

E.g. A QR code is placed on a parking ticket machine offering the a quick way to pay via a mobile app.

• The QR code looks legitimate, featuring the name of the parking service or an official logo, which encourages the user to scan it for faster payment.

• Once the user scans the QR code, they are redirected to a fake website that mimics the official parking payment portal.

• The user enters their vehicle details and payment information (credit card, mobile payment, etc.), thinking they are paying the parking fee.

• The scammer collects the payment details, and the victim’s card or financial information is compromised.​

• The user probably gets a parking ticket as well.

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✅ Join the Cyber Resilience Centre HERE to learn more, we can help you get safer online.​​