Quishing: The New Phishing Scam You Need to Know About
By Sheila Duncan
Reporter
Well, another scam, they are everywhere, just another problem added to everyday life. You may ask, what is a Scammer? A scammer is someone who tricks or deceives people to steal their money or valuables. They often use lies, fake promises, and other tricks to take advantage of others. Recent data shows a sharp rise in QR code phishing, increasing from 0.8% of all cyberattacks in 2021 to nearly 11% in the first half of 2024. These scams can target anyone, especially those who scan QR codes without much thought.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Central and South Alabama sent out an immediate release last week warning consumers about “Quishing,” a new phishing scam using QR codes to trick people into visiting harmful websites or downloading malicious content. As QR codes become more common in daily activities like restaurant menus and payments, scammers have adapted, making these attacks increasingly dangerous.
What Is Quishing? Quishing is a cyberattack where scammers create fake QR codes and share them through phishing emails, social media, printed materials, or even in public places. Scanning these codes redirects victims to websites designed to steal personal information or install malware.
Key Examples of Quishing Attacks:
- Parking Meters: Scammers place fake QR codes on parking meters. When scanned, these codes direct users to malicious websites that steal payment information instead of completing the parking transaction.
- Phishing Emails: QR codes in emails pretend to be from trusted sources like banks or companies. Scanning these codes tricks people into verifying accounts or accessing documents on fraudulent sites.
- Public Locations: Scammers place QR codes in public places like restaurants, transit ads, or posters. People scan them expecting to see menus or ads but are redirected to harmful websites.
- Fake Promotions: Scammers create QR codes that promise “free gifts” or discounts. Scanning these codes leads to malicious sites that steal personal information or install harmful software.
Other common types of scams are Phishing: Scammers send fake emails or messages pretending to be from legitimate organizations to steal personal information. They often create a sense of urgency, asking you to click a link or provide sensitive details. Impersonation: Scammers pose as trusted figures, such as government officials or tech support agents, to gain access to your personal information or money. They might claim you owe money or offer fake assistance. Lottery and Prize Scams: You receive a message claiming you’ve won a prize or lottery, but to claim it, you need to pay a fee or provide personal information. Investment Scams: Scammers offer high returns on investments that sound too good to be true. They often pressure you to invest quickly before you have time to research. Now they have come up with something that’s named “Quishing”
There are several ways to protect yourself from scams: Verify Information: Always check the authenticity of the source. If you receive a suspicious email or message, contact the organization directly using a verified contact method. Be Cautious with Personal Information: Never share personal or financial details unless you are certain of the recipient’s legitimacy. Use Strong Passwords: Create complex passwords and update them regularly. Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts. Educate Yourself: Stay informed about common scams and the latest fraud tactics. Awareness is one of the best defenses against scammers. Report Scams: If you think you’ve been scammed, notify the appropriate authorities or organizations, such as local law enforcement, your bank, or online platforms. Seek Help: If you’ve lost money or have been affected emotionally, consider seeking professional advice or counseling.
By staying alert and well-informed, you can protect yourself from scams and help others avoid becoming victims of these deceptive schemes. Always remember, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
