Tengrinews.kz – Police have warned that scammers in Kazakhstan are increasingly using fake QR codes placed in public areas to trick unsuspecting citizens, according to Polisia.kz.
Tengrinews.kz – Police have warned that scammers in Kazakhstan are increasingly using fake QR codes placed in public areas to trick unsuspecting citizens, according to Polisia.kz.
Authorities noted that fraudsters may place fake QR-code stickers over original ones, redirecting users to dangerous websites. Therefore, before scanning QR codes displayed on streets, at bus stops, in apartment building entrances, or on advertising boards, people should make sure they are safe.
The purpose of such links can vary. Scammers may attempt to obtain citizens’ personal information or bank card details. In many cases, people believe they are making a legitimate payment, but the money ultimately ends up in the fraudsters’ accounts.
Police listed the main signs of suspicious QR codes:
- The QR code is pasted over another advertisement or notice;
- The advertisement has an unofficial appearance;
- It contains calls for urgent action, such as: “Receive a gift,” “Today only,” or “Scan immediately”;
- The name of the organization or contact information is missing.
To protect themselves from scammers, police advise people not to scan unknown QR codes unless necessary, to carefully check website addresses before following links, not to enter personal information, bank card details, or SMS verification codes on suspicious websites, not to install unknown applications or grant them additional permissions, and, when making payments, to ensure that the QR code belongs to an official organization.
“If you have scanned a suspicious QR code and entered your personal or financial information, immediately contact your bank and block your bank card,” law enforcement authorities advised.
