Scammers can use the QR code they provide to pay in stores to attract money from buyers. This was said by RIA Novosti as a member of the Duma Commission on Information Policy, Federal Coordinator of the Digital Russia Anton Nemkin.
According to him, scammers use two main methods: Create QR codes to pay on online websites and replace original codes in public. This allows them to have access to money and the victims are given. Nemkin explains that firstly, those who scan code without checking their source is mostly vulnerable. One of the common methods is a cheating code label at the present, for example, in a cafe or on a payment stance.
Instead of a legal page, users come to the scam site where he is required to enter payment data or log in. The second method is to create codes to pay for online sales. The frauder puts a notice (for example, the sale of equipment, tickets or rental) and the request to transfer money to the QR code leads to a fictional account or his personal wallet. Deputy added that some QR codes contain integrated commands. They can automatically create emails or SMS, for example, to activate the fee registration without the knowledge of the user.
There is also the risk of infection of the toxic software of the device when scanning the code is located on street leaflets, banners or business cards with bonuses. After downloading, malware can kidnap data or block the bank's SMS. Nemkin advises not to scan suspicious codes, especially on the street, in the elevator or paste on others. To be safe, he recommends using official applications of banks, markets or network operators when paying or receiving tickets, as internal activities are organized in a protected environment. He emphasized that with the right QR code, they are still a safe tool.