Beware of quishing: Fraudsters empty accounts with fake QR codes!

Beware of quishing: Fraudsters empty accounts with fake QR codes!

In the last few days there have been worrying cases of fraud in the Ludwigsburg and Böblingen districts, which have brought the new “quishing” scam into focus. In this scam, victims scan fake QR codes that direct them to fraudulent online sites. The perpetrators use this data to obtain personal account information and bank details. A 63-year-old man from Aidlingen recently suffered a loss of 20,000 euros after receiving a fake letter from his bank that contained a QR code. He scanned the code and unknowingly registered one of the fraudsters' cell phones for his online banking, which allowed the perpetrators to then withdraw large amounts of money from his account without authorization, as ZVW reports.

Another incident occurred on May 27th, when a 19-year-old from Remseck also fell victim to such a scam. She scanned a QR code from a supposed buyer and lost almost 1,000 euros. These two incidents make it clear that quishing is a serious threat.

The pitfalls of QR codes

Quishing uses QR codes to deceive victims. Many people view QR codes as harmless because they are generally used for useful applications. However, the contents of these codes are not visible to the naked eye, making them an ideal tool for fraudsters. In addition, many antivirus programs do not recognize QR codes as a threat, which increases the danger. The signs of falling victim to quishing are clear: These include scanning a QR code that asks for personal or banking information, as well as receiving a letter from a “bank” with such a code to update security settings. Scanning a code at a parking machine can also lead to unusual account movements, as anwalt.de points out.

If you suspect quishing, those affected should inform their bank immediately and have the affected accounts blocked. Changing your password and reporting to the police are also on the list of necessary measures. Additionally, it is advisable to verify the authenticity of QR codes before entering personal information. In addition, helpful protective measures should be taken, such as using a quishing filter and being skeptical about unsolicited QR code scans.

Serious consequences for victims

The financial losses from quishing can be significant. Those affected should not only contact their bank, but also the relevant authorities or consumer protection organizations in order to take legal action to recover money. Quishing is a growing problem that affects everyone active online. This makes it all the more important to recognize the dangers and actively protect yourself so as not to fall into the trap of fraudsters.