Fake QR codes, including on scooters: Scammers use new fraud methods

Scammers are tricking Russians into giving away QR codes for banking transactions, using them to withdraw money from accounts. Additionally, criminals are placing fake QR codes in public places, which lead to phishing sites where they extract personal data and banking information. This was reported to Gazeta.Ru by the press service of Roskachestva of Russian Federation.

To avoid falling victim to scammers, experts recommend using only dynamic QR codes, which are created specifically for a particular transaction. When using paper QR codes, it is important to check with the cashier or waiter to ensure they are valid and make sure the code is not placed over another one. Phishing sites often use unsecured connections or fake security certificates, so it is essential to verify the authenticity of the site and ensure it has a secure HTTPS connection before entering payment details.

Criminals also use chatbots in popular messaging apps to create the impression of an official automated service. They offer various social benefits, student scholarships, and allowances for families with children, tricking people into providing personal data and banking information. It is important to remember that no government sites require personal data to be provided through QR codes.

Recently, a new type of scam related to scooter rentals has been identified. A person attempted to rent a scooter and scanned a QR code, but the criminals had already replaced the code with their own, and the victim's smartphone opened a completely different resource. The person inadvertently entered their personal data and filled out payment forms, not realizing that these would be used by scammers for fraudulent purposes.

Sergey Kuzmenko, head of the Digital Expertise Center at Roskachestva, says that the main problem, as with other fraudulent schemes, is the haste and carelessness that criminals exploit. To avoid becoming a victim of fraud, it is important to follow basic digital hygiene rules and remain vigilant when interacting with QR codes.