Misuse of QR codes by fraudsters
QR code scams mainly aim at making the users access the page, through which cyber criminals can steal user’s sensitive information, money or both. The fraudsters misuse the QR codes in different ways to defraud gullible citizens. Mentioned below are few:
QR scam using social engineering technique
Fraudsters may use crafty ways to get the users to scan the fraudulent QR code : Examples of social engineering techniques
They may use the story of stranger in danger, who makes user scan QR code for some amount in promise to repay you the amount later.
They may get the user to scan the QR code in the pretext of sending the amount for purchase of the goods/services and empty the victim’s account.
They may get the users to call fraudulent service/gas/helpdesk/restaurant numbers uploaded on google and make them scan QR code to capture bank details and loot money.
QR Code Viruses
Fraudsters can also embed links in QR codes redirecting them to web pages containing viruses/malware which can compromise user’s sensitive data.
QR payment fraud
Fraudsters can also tamper with the QR codes and place the fraudulent codes at locations where lot of online payment are made like Grocery Stores, Stationary, Petrol bunks etc., they may also cover up legitimate QR codes to fool victims.