Quishing 101: Think Before You Scan

Newsletter Topics: What is Quishing? How to avoid QR Code Scams?

🗞️ In the News:  Recently, the “quishing” trend has been targeting parking meters. Scammers place a fake sticker over the real QR code, and when you scan it, you're directed to a fraudulent website instead of the legitimate parking company—allowing scammers to steal your money.

This scam isn’t just limited to parking meters—restaurants and other businesses that use QR codes for payments are also being targeted. It's one of the easiest and most effective ways for scammers to steal money, so stay alert when scanning any QR codes.

👀 Today’s Focus: You might be wondering, "What is Quishing?"

Quishing (or QR Phishing) is when scammers use fake QR codes to trick people into giving away personal information or downloading harmful software. Although QR codes have existed for decades, their use became much more common after COVID-19, especially for shopping and payments. Because of this, it's important to be aware of the risks involved in scanning QR codes.

😎 Grandkid Tip of the Day:  To protect yourself from Quishing:

1. Avoid QR Codes – Be cautious about scanning QR codes from unknown or suspicious sources, especially those sent via email, text message, or social media. This helps you avoid the risk of being sent to a malicious site.

2. Manually Enter URLs – It may take a little extra effort, but it’s much safer. If a QR code asks you to visit a link and you’re unsure if it’s trustworthy, type the website address directly into your browser instead of scanning the code. Instead, try using alternative methods, like visiting the restaurant’s website directly for a menu or paying the parking meter manually without scanning a code.

3. Check the URL Before Taking Action - If you scan a QR code, verify the URL before clicking any links. Most smartphone QR scanners show the URL before loading the page.

4. Look for Clues in Physical Security - If a QR code looks tampered with or appears hastily applied over an original, it’s best to avoid scanning it. Fraudsters may place fake codes over legitimate ones.

5. Educate Yourself and Others - Awareness is key to preventing QR phishing attacks.

⭐ Share a story by replying to this email! - If you or someone you know has been hacked or compromised, share your story! We are always looking to raise awareness within our community!

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