03 Jun Warning: QR code scams are on the rise
The BID is reminding businesses to be vigilant to the threat of QR code scams, which are on the rise. Cyber-criminals are replacing legitimate QR codes in public spaces with links that take users to convincing payment websites in order to steal personal and financial information. While these fraudulent QR codes tend to be most frequent in stations or car parks, it is important to ensure that the QR codes used within your bars, restaurants and offices are not replaced with fraudulent codes and that this is checked with regularity. Exercise increased caution to ensure that your customers and employees are protected from such attacks.
How to stay aware
ActionFraud, the national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime, confirms that QR codes used in pubs and restaurants are usually safe to scan, but it is still vital to take increased caution when scanning codes in public spaces. Here are some key tips to stay aware and minimise the threat of being caught out by these scams:
• Check for tampered QR stickers, and if in doubt do not scan them but find the official payment avenue through a manual search and via an official website.
• If you receive an email with a QR code in it, exercise caution: ensure it is delivered from a trusted sender and be wary of any links which ask you to divulge personal information.
• ActionFraud further recommends that you use the QR-scanner that comes with your phone (for example via the camera app), rather than using an app downloaded from an app store.
If you notice any fraudulent QR codes in your premises or the Hammersmith area, please report these incidents on the Alert! app and get in touch with the BID, as we can report this to the Met Police’s local Safer Neighbourhoods Team and help you keep Hammersmith a safe place for workers and shoppers.