A number of scams linked to quick-response (QR) codes have surfaced recently, with one victim losing up to S$20,000. TODAY takes a look at why people fall prey and how they may better protect themselves from QR code scams.
SINGAPORE — A number of scams linked to quick-response codes have surfaced recently, with one victim losing up to S$20,000.
The app allegedly contained malicious software or malware, which was used to move S$20,000 from her account, national daily The Straits Times reported last Sunday. Associate Professor Jiow Hee Jhee, 51, from the Singapore Institute of Technology with a research interest in cybercrime, said: “As society accelerates in the adoption of electronic payment and financial transaction methods, scammers will always find a way to cheat people. QR codes, being widely used, affords exploitation by scammers.”
“We have to understand that there is a vulnerability in the nature of QR codes. On the surface, they are just black-and-white images. Users do not know exactly where the code will lead them before scanning it. Criminals aim to take advantage of this vulnerability,” he said.These include sending QR codes to unsuspecting victims via email, WhatsApp and other chat messages, or placing stickers of fraudulent QR codes over authentic QR codes owned by legitimate business vendors.
“In a less serious permutation, it could lead people to an online form asking them to fill in personal identifiable information. This information could be used to start a search on ways to penetrate and steal more information and money in other means,” Mr Yeo from Frost & Sullivan said. “You and I need to be aware of these adversaries and their motives, then know what to ignore and delete, instead of scanning, responding and replying mindlessly,” he added.
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