Attention, QR code trap! Police warn of nasty fraud stitches

Attention, QR code trap! Police warn of nasty fraud stitches

QR codes are very popular in Austria and offer numerous practical applications, but the police urgently warn against a new fraud. Criminals use fake QR codes to steal personal data and financial information from unsuspecting citizens. This fraud form, also known as "quishing", aims in particular on drivers who pay the parking slips via smartphone, as well as on banking and parcel service customers. Fraudsters over glue original codes on parking machines, pick -ups of the post and bank documents with deceptively real counterfeits.

users who accidentally scan one of these fake QR codes are directed to fraudulent websites and asked to enter confidential information. According to reports, around 40 parking machines with such manipulations were discovered in Salzburg in February 2023, and there is danger in cities such as Linz and Styria. Drivers are particularly at risk because digital security software is often unable to recognize these attacks.

warnings and prevention

The Chamber of Labor has recognized the problem as a nationwide phenomenon and urges QR codes to warn of the use of glued-in. An AK expert advises not to scan them and instead use official apps for payments. In Vienna, fake punitive notes were also reported, which looked like official payment requests of the police. These fraudulent methods are not only limited to parking machines, but can also be found in emails and letters from banks or the Austrian health insurance company (ÖGK).

In the context of cybersecurity, it is important to emphasize that Quishing is not limited to Austria. Before big events, such as the 2024 Olympics in Paris, cybercriminals have registered similar fake QR codes and domains to steal personal data. Security measures against Quishing include the review of the URL after scanning and manual input of the URL into the browser to minimize risks. Users should always critically check the origin of domains and make sure that websites are secured by "https" and a castle symbol.

precautionary measures for users

• Check the URL after scanning with special tools.
• Enter the URL manually instead of scanning the QR code, if possible.
• Check SSL certificates that distinguish secure pages.
• Use of link checkers to identify potentially dangerous links.
• Check the reviews and the reputation of unknown online shops.

The progressive digitalization not only brings advantages, but also new risks. It is essential that citizens remain vigilant and find out about the latest fraud methods in order not to become victims of cybercrime. The police, as well as other institutions, remain vigilant and continue to inform about this worrying development in the digital world.

Kosmo reports that ... Kleine Zeitung informed about ... and Security Insider offers valuable tips against QR-Code-But.