Police have urged citizens to be extremely careful when scanning suspicious QR codes encountered in public places. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Sputnik Kazakhstan.
According to the department, although QR codes are widely used in everyday life, fraudsters are mastering new ways to deceive people using this technology.
"Before scanning QR codes placed on streets, bus stops, entrances of residential buildings or billboards, it is necessary to ensure they are safe. Malefactors may stick a fake QR code over the original one, directing citizens to phishing sites," the message said.
The main goal of such sites is to illegally obtain users' personal data, bank card details or other confidential information. In some cases, citizens are confident they have made a payment correctly, but the money goes to fraudsters' accounts.
Main signs of suspicious QR codes
- 01The QR code is stuck on top of another advertisement;
- 02the announcement may have unofficial design;
- 03the text contains urgent phrases like "Get a gift", "Only today", "Scan urgently";
- 04the organization's name or contact details are not indicated.
Police recommendations
Police advise citizens to refrain from scanning unknown QR codes without reason, carefully check the internet address before opening a link, and not enter personal data, bank card details or SMS confirmation codes on suspicious sites. They also recommend not installing unknown applications and not granting them additional permissions on the device.
Before making a payment via QR code, it is necessary to ensure it belongs to an official organization. If a citizen has scanned a suspicious QR code and entered personal or financial data, they should immediately contact the bank and block the payment card.