Frauds and scams involving technology have surfaced in recent years. Individuals are constantly in danger of losing their data or personal information at any time. One such fraud that is putting people’s information at risk is known as the quishing scam, which is spreading in India. The most common technique for extorting personal information or stealing money is quishing, a fraud that is committed by scanning a QR code. Continue reading to find out more about quishing, how to avoid it, and the latest incident of quishing.
Quishing Scam: What Is It & How To Avoid It?
Quishing is a fraud in which scammers distribute manipulated QR codes that look like those of trustworthy businesses in order to steal money, sensitive data, or personal information.
In a quishing attack, hackers create QR codes that, when scanned, send users to fraudulent login pages or websites that download malware automatically. By inserting these codes into emails or public spaces, victims may be tricked into entering private information or downloading dangerous programmes or software. After the code is examined, malicious material may occasionally be downloaded automatically, further jeopardising the victim’s device.
To protect yourself from quishing attacks, you need to use techniques made specifically for QR codes. Use a trustworthy QR code reader, confirm the QR source, preview the destination URL, exercise caution when entering personal information, turn on two-factor authentication, and keep up to date with security awareness training.
Also Read: Bengaluru Man Caught Sticking QR Codes In Metro Washrooms To Sell Chocolates; Arrested
About Mizoram’s QR Code Scam Case
In Mizoram, a 23-year-old man was detained for reportedly altering a petrol pump’s QR code in order to steal money. The Mizofed petrol pump in Treasury Square is where the incident happened. After the QR code was changed, the pump’s manager complained. The suspect was arrested as a result of an investigation that was started by Lalbiakthanga Khiangte, the Inspector General of Police for Mizoram, as reported by the Hindustan Times.
This crime was confessed to by H. Lalrohlua, a resident of Hrangchalkawn in Lunglei, living in the Armed Veng neighbourhood of Aizawl. The convict didn’t have any previous police records. Lalrohlua is arrested for printing his Google Pay account’s QR code and attaching it to a genuine petrol pump. According to the police, the man received ₹2,315 in three transactions after switching, gave back ₹890 to one payee, and spent the remaining ₹1,425, as reported by the Hindustan Times.
Also Read: MTC Buses & Trains In Chennai Will Soon Have QR Codes For Cashless Travel
Always be cautious while using a QR code to protect yourself from fraud.
Cover Image Credit: Canva Pro
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