WEEKLY FRAUD UPDATE FROM WEST MERCIA POLICE – ECONOMIC CRIME UNIT – 29/08/2024

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                                      QR CODE SCAMS

QR Codes have been around for several decades now but have become more prominent in the last few years. So once again criminals are seizing the opportunity to use malicious QR Codes to steal money, and personal information.

People may sometimes worry about trusting these codes which are now common in public places, such as pubs and restaurants, and these are generally safe to scan.

The majority of QR code scams so far have been in open spaces such as stations and car park machines, so always check the QR code sign to see if appears to have been tampered with or has another label stuck on top of it.

However, QR codes are now appearing in greater numbers in phishing emails, often now called “Quishing”. Criminals realise that the public are now more aware of the dangers on clicking on links in unsolicited emails, so are using QR codes instead to direct the recipient to a malicious website.

 

How can you avoid being scammed by fake QR codes?

•    Preview the QR code link. The URL should appear on your phone when you scan a QR code. Make sure the URL seems legitimate and that it isn’t a misspelling of a real URL

•    Check for tampering. If you’re scanning a QR code that’s in a public place, like a restaurant or a car park ticket machine, make sure the QR code doesn’t have a sticker on top of the original

•    Check the website. If you follow the QR code link, does the website seems professional. Low-quality images and typos are always signs of fake websites. Look for a lock symbol next to the URL or https:// in the URL to show theses are genuine

•    When in doubt, contact the company. If you receive an unusual email or letter in the mail from a business with a QR code, contact the business to determine if the message is legitimate.

•    Never scan or open QR codes from unknown sources. Whether you’re approached online or in the street, don’t scan QR codes from people that you don’t know. And always lookout for “too good to be true” messages, such as  gifts or free products if you scan their QR code.

Also, security software created to detect phishing emails does not always scan images so a QR code image can get through. Many users also use their mobile phone to scan a QR code and such devices may not always have the same levels of security protection. It is always advisable to use the QR Code scanner that is already installed on your phone, rather than one downloaded from an App store.

As ever, be vigilant, especially with QR codes received in emails.

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Please feel free to share this information with any family, friends, or neighbours that you think it may be able to assist.
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Take Five to Stop Fraud

STOP: Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.
CHALLENGE: Could it be fake? It’s OK to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.
PROTECT: Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve fallen for a scam and report it to Action Fraud

ALWAYS REMEMBER:

•    Avoid disclosing security details
•    Emails, Phone Calls and Texts may not be authentic
•    Always make direct contact with any organisation by using a genuine phone number
•    Stop and Challenge any unexpected requests
•    Protect others by reporting Fraud and Scams
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If you’ve fallen for a scam,
report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via actionfraud.police.uk

Scam Text messages can be forwarded to 7726 to help phone providers take early action and block numbers that generate spam on their networks. You can also report Scam mobile calls by texting 7726 with the word “Call” followed by the scam caller’s phone number.

Forward Fake Emails received to report@phishing.gov.uk

If you think your bank account or personal banking details have been used fraudulently, then use the short phone number – 159 – to contact the Fraud Prevention Department of most major UK banks.