QR codes have become an indispensable part of our everyday lives. But now the state criminal police offices in North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony are warning: fraudsters are using the codes for their own purposes! The new scam is called “Quishing”.
cheater place QR codes in places where they are usually found anyway. These codes lead to fake websites where data is to be intercepted.
Banks
Among other things, the Savings banks-Financial Group warned in July about the new scamFraudsters had created a letter that looked real and sent it out. The letter asked customers to update their data.
This letter was sent to Sparkasse customers
The consumer advice center NRW warns of a similar letter from Commerzbank. ING customers also reported similar letters. The LKA in Lower Saxony also warns about fake letters from Deutsche Bank that are currently circulating.
► Tip from the Sparkasse financial group: Dispose of any letters you receive immediately! Anyone who has already given out their data should contact their bank immediately.
Charging stations
QR codes are also used at charging stations (archive photo)
Also at charging stations for Electric cars QR codes are not uncommon. They are used to start the charging process and to pay. Scammers cover up the real codes to get credit card information. “Auto, motor und sport” reports cases in Germany, Belgium, France, Spain, Italy and the Netherlands.
► The ADAC advises: Check the sticker carefully and ideally use the code on the display. Be suspicious if high amounts are displayed or the website looks dubious.
Be careful when filing your tax return
Also in the Tax return Fraudsters are active. Fake emails or letters from Elster or the tax office are circulating. The consumer advice center emphasizes: tax authorities never ask for sensitive data by email.
Pay traffic tickets via QR code
Want to pay the ticket quickly using a QR code? Attention! Take a closer look at the ticket first (archive photo)
In some cities, QR codes can be found on traffic tickets to make paying easier. But fraudsters are at work here too. Berlin It has been reported that fake parking tickets with the fraudulent QR codes have been discovered on cars.
► Die Consumer Center says: If in doubt, go to the police with the ticket.
Bitcoin Wallet
Freezer bags have also appeared in Munich, the contents of which are: alleged deposit receipts for crypto currencies amounting to 10,000 eurosThe finder is only required to pay a withdrawal fee of 300 euros via QR code, the LKA warns:
“If a finder falls for the scam and gives out his account details, the withdrawal fee will be debited,” says the LKA. “However, an error message will then appear, because the 10,000 euros will not actually be paid out.”