QR Code Scams – UK Fraud Alert

Written on 31/07/2024. Posted in Crime.

QR Code Scam – UK Fraud Alert

Beware of fake QR Codes.

QR Codes Scams are rapidly on the rise in the UK.

Fake QR codes are expected to cause more than £2m fraud in the UK, in 2024.

Each victim of QR code scam fraud risks losing hundreds or thousands of pounds from their debit cards or credit cards.

So, what are QR Code Scams and how can you avoid them?

What are QR Codes?

You’ve probably seen QR codes, like this:

They are 2D bar codes that store data, and can be used by IT devices to read and process the data.

For example, the above QR contains a link to this webpage.

You can test this QR code by using your phone or tablet to scan this image, which will bring you back to this webpage.

What are QR Code Scams?

Many people know about Phishing (fake emails) and to double check website links before clicking them.

The problem with QR codes is that humans can’t easily check what the link actually says.

The QR code that we provided above could ask your phone to go to a fake website or app. You can’t tell.

Crooks are increasingly using this technical vulnerability for fake QR codes.

If you scan a QR code, it could take you to a fake website or app, which might look just like the genuine site.

If you enter your credit details or passwords into that site, then you have just given that data to the crooks, and they can start stealing money from you.

Using short website URLs can also create a similar risk, because we just can’t see what the real URL is.

Where do fake QR codes appear?

One of the most common places for fake QR codes is at car parks and train stations.

That company may have created a genuine QR code, to send people to their website or app for payment.

All the crooks need to do is create their own QR code and stick it on top of the original QR code.

This is really easy for the crooks, because QR codes can be created within a minute for free.

Crooks can also create fake websites and apps within 24 hours, just by copying the genuine site.

So, fake QR codes are most likely to appear in public places, where people are being asked for money or to give personal data (e.g. passwords to login to “their account” but on a fake website, etc).

Preventing QR Code Scam Frauds

There are many ways to protect yourself and your friends from QR Code Scam Frauds.

You can protect yourself by just not using QR codes!

It is safer to either get the website URL from Google, type it in yourself (assuming the website shown is genuine), or download Apps (carefully) from a well-known app store.

If you do use a QR code, check where it has actually taken you. Does it look like the real website? Does the URL or app name look right?

Take even more care if you are entering personal details into that website or app, such as your credit card details or passwords.

Stay safe. Beware of QR Code Scams.

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