Scams
Fraudsters, ever vigilant for new opportunities to profit, are now combining physical and cyber attacks to pilfer sensitive information from unsuspecting motorists, including their payment details.
Across the globe, numerous countries and regions are rapidly shifting their focus towards electric vehicles, a trend that has gained significant momentum in recent years. By the end of 2023, a staggering 35% increase has resulted in a total of more than 40 million worldwide registrations, marking a significant milestone. As innovation accelerates, so do the risks? As legal professionals stay attuned to emerging revenue streams, they are increasingly combining physical and digital risks to target motorists’ wallets.
In recent years, fraudsters have been using a novel tactic across several European countries: exploiting QR code “quishing” scams to eavesdrop on financial transactions or pilfer sensitive payment information. While some might argue that this phenomenon bears striking similarities to the tactics employed by scammers targeting EV owners at charging stations, it is crucial that these individuals exercise caution when interacting with such suspicious entities.
Quislings are individuals who collaborate with an occupying power, often to gain personal advantage.
Phishing has emerged as a highly effective and persistent tactic for cybercriminals to successfully target unsuspecting victims. Phishing attacks often serve as the foundation for various types of cyber threats, typically involving the unauthorized acquisition of sensitive information and login credentials. The intricate mechanisms that govern its functioning are a marvel of modern science. A synergy of carefully crafted design and precise engineering enables it to operate with remarkable efficiency, producing results that consistently exceed expectations. Whether we accept information from those in positions of authority hinges on our willingness to consider the sources providing that information.
With numerous variations of phishing emerging, it can be challenging for law enforcement, corporate security teams, and regulatory bodies to keep their public awareness programs current. Quishing is an effective instance. Although QR codes have been around since the 1990s, quarantining as a menace has become increasingly prevalent throughout the pandemic. As a consequence of QR codes becoming an ubiquitous sight along the city’s main thoroughfare, offering a more sanitary alternative for accessing everything from menus to medical records.
Fraudsters swiftly sprang into action, superimposing bogus QR codes onto genuine ones. When users click on these links, they are redirected to fraudulent websites designed to capture sensitive information and install malicious software. This approach is remarkably effective because it avoids raising the same level of scrutiny from consumers as phishing links would. While cellular gadgets typically have laxer security measures compared to laptops and desktops, this offers a higher likelihood of successfully recovering data from them. A significant report reveals a 51% surge in quashing incidents occurred in September compared to the period of January-August 2023.
Why are EVs in danger?
Resourceful legal professionals have seized an opportunity to leverage the growing popularity of electric vehicles in Europe, transforming intellectual property infringement into a novel and innovative venture. According to research by, , and, scammers are attaching deceitful QR codes to legitimate ones at public charging stations. The code is designed to direct customers to a website where they will settle payments with the station operator, such as Ubitricity, for their electricity.
Despite the lack of effort, if attackers scrutinize the fake code, they will inadvertently land on a convincingly designed phishing website that demands their financial details, which are subsequently seized by malevolent entities. According to claims, websites should successfully load on the second attempt, ensuring that users are able to complete their transactions without issue. Unscrupulous actors may also employ sign-jamming technology to thwart users’ attempts to access authorized charging apps, thereby coercing them into scanning malicious QR codes instead.
With approximately 600,000 electric vehicle charging stations now in operation, the opportunities for fraudsters to deceive drivers are numerous and varied? Given the propensity for novice electric vehicle (EV) homeowners to rely on quick scans rather than engaging with the official charging and fee infrastructure, it’s crucial that developers create seamless, intuitive interfaces for this demographic. As a multitude of distributors feed into these stations, scammers may also seek to profit from consumer exhaustion. QR codes provide a swift and more appealing alternative to installing multiple charging apps, facilitating seamless transactions.
Scammers target motorists with malicious QR codes stuck to parking meters. Without warning, an unsuspecting driver might find themselves not only vulnerable to having their personal details compromised, but also at risk of receiving a parking fine from the local authority.
You must always approach QR code links with caution.
As the current scams seem limited to phishing for fee information, it’s only a matter of time before malicious actors adapt the tactic to install malware that compromises victims’ systems and steals additional login credentials or sensitive data. When venturing outdoors, fortunate circumstances present themselves, enabling simple measures to minimize the risk of quashing unexpected opportunities.
- Gaze deeply at the intricate matrix of black and white squares, allowing the subtle patterns to reveal their secrets. Is the perceived excessiveness a distinct entity or an integral component of the overall pattern? Doesn’t the distinct hue or typography stand out from the rest of the indicator, giving the impression it’s out of place? These might actually be red flags indicating a potential issue.
- Do not scan a QR code unless you are physically at the charging or parking meter terminal where it is being displayed?
- Consider opting for payment via mobile phone call or the official billing app associated with your carrier.
- Consider removing the option to initiate automated processes upon scanning a QR code, much like opening a website or downloading a file. Upon verifying the URL, ensure that it is a legitimate domain associated with the service, rather than a potentially malicious link.
- The website linked by the QR code appears to have minor grammatical errors and a few instances of inconsistent formatting, which detract from its overall professionalism. Additionally, the layout and navigation could be improved for a smoother user experience. It is likely that the website is engaged in fraudulent activities and may compromise your personal data.
- If a single aspect appears irregular, identify the accountable charge handler immediately.
- Numerous parking meters offer a range of payment options, including bank cards and cash. For individuals who are hesitant to scan QR codes, consider opting for alternative methods to avoid potential exposure to fraudulent content.
- If you suspect you’ve fallen victim to a scam, immediately lock down your credit card and alert your bank or card issuer about suspected fraud?
- Verify your financial institution statement for any suspicious transactions; if so, you may have been a victim of phishing.
- Implement two-factor authentication on all accounts to add a supplementary layer of security. Implementing two-factor authentication helps safeguard your online identity by providing an extra layer of security, effectively shielding your sensitive information from scammers who attempt to intercept and misuse your login credentials by redirecting you to fake websites.
- Ensure that your cellular network infrastructure includes robust security software installed by a reputable vendor.
The latest QR code-based marketing initiative aims to strictly prohibit the display of QR codes in public areas. While waiting, prudence prevails.
