Suche
Mein Konto
Danger! Fraudulent QR codes discovered on parking ticket machines!
The police in Celle are warning about fake QR codes on parking ticket machines. Protect your data against quishing with important tips.
Danger! Fraudulent QR codes discovered on parking ticket machines!
In recent months, a dangerous scam has become widespread among criminals: fake QR codes, which are specially placed on parking ticket machines and public places to lure unsuspecting users into a trap. The police and consumer advocates are sounding the alarm and asking the population to be more vigilant.
As fr.de reports, the term “quishing” hides a particularly perfidious fraud attempt that uses a combination of QR codes and well-known phishing methods. Fraudsters use these codes to steal data or simply withdraw money from their victims' accounts. These false QR codes can be found not only at parking meters, but also at e-charging stations, on fake parking tickets and in local public transport.
The warnings are increasing
Back in March of this year, the consumer advice center warned urgently about these special forms of fraud and advised only scanning QR codes if their authenticity was assured. An example that made it through the media occurred in Celle, where an unsuspecting user scanned a fake sticker on a parking meter and a four-digit amount was then debited from his account.
In November 2024, the Lower Saxony State Criminal Police Office had already pointed out the danger of QR codes being pasted over. These codes often lead to fake websites that eagerly wait for unwary users to enter their sensitive information. As the consumer advice center verbraucherzentrale.de adds, it is important to always check the URL before scanning a QR code, as not all smartphones display the links before opening them.
Protective measures against quishing
The Freiburg police have now put together five practical tips to help you use QR codes more safely in everyday life:
- Prüfen Sie QR-Codes: Achten Sie darauf, ob es sich um offizielle Beschilderungen oder nachträglich angebrachte Aufkleber handelt.
- Überprüfen Sie die URL nach dem Scannen genau, insbesondere bei Kurzlinks.
- Nutzen Sie direkte Apps und geben Sie den Zonencode manuell ein, anstatt QR-Codes zu scannen.
- Scannen Sie QR-Codes im Zweifelsfall nicht.
- Informieren Sie sich vor Online-Verkäufen über Zahlungsdienste.
The Lower Saxony consumer advice center also makes it clear that users should contact the sender directly if they receive suspicious letters, without using the telephone numbers provided there. If you suspect fraud, it is advisable to immediately inform the police and, if necessary, the bank.
The dangers posed by these scams should be taken seriously. Consumers should always be vigilant and have a good handle on QR codes to protect themselves and their data. Stay alert and question before you scan!