Cologne warns: Fraudsters use fake QR codes on parking machines!

Cologne warns: Fraudsters use fake QR codes on parking machines!

The city of Cologne recently became aware of an alarming fraud stitch, which manifests itself in the form of fake QR codes on parking ticket machines. As the City administration Cologne were reported with false QR codes on several automatons. Users who scan the QR code are forwarded to a fraudulent website that looks deceptively similar to the original side of the Handypark operators. The aim of this mesh is to query personal data and bank information from users.

This fraud stitch is not new and has already been found in other German cities. To avoid possible damage, the city of Cologne controls the parking ticket machines and removes the suspect stickers. The administration has therefore expressed urgent recommendations: Users should not carry out the payment process through the QR codes placed on the machines, but instead acquire the parking ticket via the official Handypark app.

recommendations and protective measures

users who have not currently installed the Handypark app is advised to download them directly from the app store without using QR codes. The city administration found this as a safe alternative. Similarly emphasized T-Online that remains vigilant and the machines regularly checked.

The abuse of QR codes is a phenomenon that can be observed not only in Cologne, but also across Europe. Similar to phishing attacks, criminals try to steal data or money through fake QR codes. This attempted fraud is also referred to as "quishing" and has received increasing attention in recent years, especially since the increase in electronic payments and the use of mobile apps. The Consumer center has already pointed out to numerous incidents, in which punitive qr-codes will be different Occurred, including parking ticket machines, electric charging stations and fake fellows.