QR codes are popping up everywhere, offering a speedy way to grab information, pay for goods or services, and connect with businesses. But, as is often the case with anything popular, the cyber criminals are trying to jump on the bandwagon to con you into handing over personal or payment details. Multiple councils like Thanet, Ashford, Medway and Dover have reported QR code scammers operating in their areas – scammers have been sticking fake QR codes in car parks and on parking payment machines to direct users to fraudulent pages online. And that’s just one news of many.
In this blog post, we’ll get a quick look into the murky world of QR code phishing, explain AppyWay’s approach to QR codes, and arm you with some proper handy tips to stay safe.
The Risks of QR Code Phishing
Think before you scan! Dodgy QR codes can land you on a fake website that looks just like the real deal, or try to trick you into downloading an app containing malware.
The low barrier to entry to produce QR code makes them attractive to cyber criminals as they are easy to distribute into public spaces
Clever criminals are even using QR codes in emails to sneak past those traditional spam filters – so keep your eyes peeled!
AppyWay’s Approach to QR codes:
Here at AppyWay, your security is paramount. Here’s how we handle QR codes:
- We don’t use QR codes for payments with our AppyParking+ service. Simple as that.
- We don’t use QR codes in our advertising on social media or on the AppyWay and AppyParking websites.
- Our public consultations are always freely available via our website: https://consultation.appyway.com/. You won’t be asked to log in or provide any payment details. It’s all there for you, no strings attached.
- Spot us at an event? Our QR codes on the stand will simply direct you to our website for more info. No hidden agendas, just easy access to what we do.
Should you ever spot a QR code with our Company branding on it please report it to us on support@appyway.com.
Top Tips for Spotting Fake QR Codes
Hover Before You Tap! Most phone cameras these days will show you a sneak peek of the website address before you actually go there. Give it a glance – if that web address looks as suspicious as a bloke in a trench coat selling watches, don’t risk it!
Beware the Sticky Situation! Have a good look at the QR code itself. Does it look like it’s been hastily stuck on top of another image? Dodgy QR codes are often just slapped over legitimate ones. Proper QR codes are usually printed directly onto the surface.
Too Good to Be True? Too Right! Just like those dodgy emails promising you a fortune, if a QR code is offering something unbelievably amazing (think free holidays or instant riches), your gut feeling is probably right. Steer clear!
