Traveler Scams: Unveiling the Tricks Behind Counterfeit QR Codes
In today's digital age, qr code generators have become a common solution for various transactions such as payments, tickets, and charging stations. However, this convenience comes with a potential risk as European banks like Santander, HSBC, and TSB have issued warnings about qr code scams.
Fraudsters often send deceptive emails with qr code payment requests. To avoid falling victim to such scams, it's crucial to be suspicious of qr codes on stickers or signs, and to use alternatives like official apps or charging cards whenever possible. If you're unsure about the authenticity of a website after a payment, act immediately by having your credit card or affected account blocked and inquiring about a possible chargeback with your bank.
The scam method, known as "Quishing", uses qr codes as an entry point for cybercrime. Scanning manipulated qr codes leads to deceptively realistic fake sites that mimic official payment portals or service websites. To protect yourself, use an up-to-date and secure qr code scanner that can help detect, block, or check suspicious links or target URLs before opening. Experts also advise against installing apps suggested after scanning a qr code, as they may contain malware.
Travellers are particularly at risk from qr code fraud, as fraudulent websites in a foreign language are often harder to recognise as fakes. Reports of fake parking tickets with fraudulent qr codes have come from Germany, specifically in Thüringen (Erfurt), Dortmund, and Rosenheim. In Thüringen and Dortmund, criminals placed fake qr codes on parking machines to direct victims to fake payment sites to steal credit card data. A warning related to fake qr codes at parking machines also appeared in Lindau and other areas of Bavaria.
In addition to qr code fraud, our website provides information on cost traps in hotels, souvenirs and import regulations for travelers, and cybersecurity tips for secure travel data. If you have any questions or need more information, feel free to contact us at [email protected]. Our website is a German-language service and news portal that informs readers about life and work abroad.
Stay safe and enjoy your travels!
