5 Ways to Avoid Fake QR Code Traps

These new generation attacks, ranging from electric scooter rental transactions to restaurant menus and even fake cargo deliveries, turn users' search for speed and convenience into an opportunity. Bitdefender Turkey Distributor Laykon Bilişim Operations Director Alev Akkoyunlu lists 5 critical ways to protect digital security by warning users against these insidious traps.

Although QR codes have become an integral part of daily life, they bring great security risks. These QR codes, which redirect to fake payment pages, download malware, or steal sensitive login information, are frequently used, especially in scenarios that create a sense of urgency. According to data from UK-based Action Fraud, victims lost £3.5 million to QR code scams in just one year. QR redirects, such as fake labels pasted on electric scooters on the streets or original codes on restaurant tables, and cargo packages arriving at your door unexpectedly, are among the most preferred methods of cyber attackers lately. Laykon Bilişim Operations Director Alev Akkoyunlu, stating that logic should not be abandoned in order to be protected from such frauds, shares 5 precautions to be taken. Pointing out that it has a structure that can bypass security filters and directly benefit from users' absent-mindedness, Bitdefender Turkey Distributor Laykon Bilişim Operations Director Alev Akkoyunlu said, "Although people generally have the habit of checking a link they will click on, they do not show the same skepticism when scanning QR codes. The fact that the target remains secret makes the job of cybercriminals much easier. Especially when renting an electric scooter on the street or wanting to quickly access the menu in a restaurant, a fake code is pasted over the original code." "The tag can cause all your credit card information to be copied within seconds. Before scanning, users must check whether there is any physical intervention and make sure that the link they are directed to is correct." warned.

Alev Akkoyunlu shares 5 precautions that users should take against fake QR codes and "quishing" attacks:

1. Check the physical integrity of the QR code. Examine QR codes on electric scooters, restaurant menus or street posters carefully before scanning them. If you notice a later label or misalignment on the original code, definitely avoid scanning that code.

2. Examine the referring link (URL) address carefully. When your camera scans the QR code, do not immediately confirm the link address that appears on the screen. Make sure that the link is an official address of the institution you are expecting. Addresses with shortened or suspicious extensions are the clearest indicator of phishing traps.

3. Be skeptical when entering your personal information or payment details.If a code you scan immediately requests payment information or a password just to see a menu or perform a simple transaction, stop the transaction immediately. For secure transactions, prefer to use the institution's own application or official website directly.

4. Be careful of codes in unexpected shipments and emails. Do not scan the QR codes in a package that you received even though you did not order, or in account verification-themed messages that suddenly appear in your e-mail. If you need to take action, log in to the website of the relevant institution manually through your browser.

5. Use a strong digital security and authentication tool. In cases of doubt, get a second opinion from trusted sources instead of scanning the code directly. You can check screenshots using artificial intelligence-supported fraud detection services such as Bitdefender Scamio, and you can also proactively protect your devices against malware with comprehensive solutions such as Bitdefender Mobile Security.