Phishing, vishing, smishing, and now quishing...how can we ever keep up? But don’t let the cute names fool you – there is nothing adorable about quishing.
The newest micro-trend in scamming is performed through your mobile device. Cyber criminals are now using Quick Release (QR) codes to gain access to your confidential information by replacing the code with one that takes the victim to a malicious site or malware download. Why is this scam gaining popularity with fraudsters?
Ironically, the very impulsivity people use to scan QR codes is what makes this scam so effective. Also, the code itself is difficult to inspect, making the fraud more difficult to detect. Like other scams, the fraudsters are banking on the fact that you won’t think twice before you scan.
How to Avoid Quishing
- Confirm the QR code comes from a reputable source.
- Check the actual QR code for signs of tampering
- If you are able to, check the destination URL before opening it.
- As with all scams, be wary of any urgent requests.
- Avoid downloading QR codes. Stick to using apps if you can.
- If possible, go to the website manually.
- Enable multifactor authentication (MFA) on your phone.
- Consider using a trusted scanner app.
- Disable the auto-execution function on your phone.
Factors that increase quishing risk
- Scanning parking meters with your phone
- Overconfidence in your iPhone or other devices’ safety
- A QR code that appears in a suspicious email
- Shipping notices
If you have been a victim of a quishing scam and your financial information has been compromised, contact us immediately. Time is crucial when it comes to preventing or minimizing financial loss. Call us at (505) 889-7755 or (800) 347-2838 outside the Albuquerque area or visit us at any of our branch locations.
Nusenda Credit Union is committed to protecting your safety. We believe ongoing education for our members will help prevent this from happening. In 2023, Nusenda Credit Union protected our members from over 7.3 million in fraud!
For more resources on how to protect your identity and finances online, visit Nusenda Credit Union’s Security Center.
Extra Resources
Here are a few articles that provide additional tips on protecting yourself:
By staying vigilant and following these tips, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to quishing scams.