With the increasing use of smartphones, QR codes are becoming increasingly popular. Recently, WhatsApp launched its web feature, which requires scanning the QR code to access your account.
The QR code is similar to the well-known barcode, but can be scanned and read with the smartphone camera and the help of the corresponding application. The wide spread of QR could not fail to be followed by their exploitation by various fraudsters, with the aim of deceiving users.
Essentially, it is a square in the form of a table, with several black dots placed in a special arrangement. Hacking it is almost impossible because this would require changing the table without changing its original form. To have a different function, it would have to be completely changed. The problem, however, is that scammers can exploit them, as has been shown by the recorded incidents that have been made.
The so-called QRishing is one of the most recorded incidents by security companies. Since most websites place their advertising banners with a QR, fraudsters can easily change it and redirect the visitor to a location on the Internet that they control in order to steal personal information. Especially on smartphones where the website URL is often not visible in its entirety, the user can easily fall victim to this fraud by scanning such a code. The page to which they will be directed will largely resemble the authentic page and thus they will be convinced to enter their details to log in or create an account if they are not already a member.
Users should be especially careful when scanning advertisements they find. It would also be a good idea to have QR scan applications installed that ask for confirmation before taking the user to a website, showing them the full URL of the website.
