Pensioners and workers know this well. wages and social security benefits They contribute to enriching current accounts and increasing family savings. Especially in times of high cost of living, being able to count on a secure, monthly income represents a life saver for unexpected and urgent expenses. But the dangers of losing money to another clever scammer are always around the corner, as evidenced by a new type of online fraud, Hesitation.
The people who are targeted by cybercriminals are seemingly ‘harmless’ – and today on a very large scale – QR code or QR codes (short for “quick response code”), i.e., two-dimensional barcodes that can be read, scanned, and interpreted by devices such as Smartphone and scanner. gave Banks are taking action and in fact in recent days a large group like Unicadet has been sending messages on app and home banking informing about this new threat. Computer scam.
So let’s see how the scam works. Hesitation And let’s try to understand. How to protect pensions and salaries By the illegitimate methods of cybercriminals Current accounts
what is doing
It is more appropriate than ever to talk about this new method of digital fraud, if we think that such attacks are becoming more and more common, counting on the progressive spread of its use. QR codes In various situations, such as downloading apps and digital content, accessing services, promotions and discounts, links to websites, or for digital payments and transactions.
it ends”HesitationDerived from the combination of “QR code” and “phishing”, another very widespread fraud method used to illegally obtain confidential data. Mail. But why are they at risk? Salary and Pension in Current Account?
The reason is simple: Hesitation – Not to be confused with Smiley – consists of a sneaky cyber attack technique whereby fraudsters use QR codes to trick users and steal information, sensitive data and banking credentials.
How does quishing work?
Most phishing attacks involve cybercriminals sending QR codes. Email messages. For example, such emails are not infrequently disguised. With cash prize winning notifications or urgent requests for account verification, warning of bank freeze if recipients don’t act soon – using QR code trap. But lures can also be found on social media, on flyers, or in the real world on physical objects like car charging stations.
In summary with quishing:
- Cybercriminals enter a QR code which, once scanned with a smartphone, will lead an unsuspecting user to a A fake or malicious website;
- Here the worker or pensioner is usually asked to enter access credentials, personal information and as far as we are concerned, banking details and information, which is then intercepted by the scammers.
Risks to account holders’ salaries and pensions
Victims blindly trust QR codes, they are in a hurry, they want to pay or do something quickly and they don’t have time to verify what they are being asked to do. But, as we said at the beginning, Hesitation This should not be underestimated at all, as it puts your savings at serious risk. Current accounts arises from salary and pension.
As mentioned, when a fraudulent person scans Fraudulent or malicious QR codes Often sent to a web page that looks like a bank or government service. Here you are asked to enter your credentials or other personal information.
That’s why Unicredit recently notified its account holders of a communication via email, which appears to come from the bank. But it is not so. They include a downloadable QR code. Malware or redirect to False page in internet banking of the group. In short, a trap with a purpose. Free up the funds.
The point is exactly this: if fraudsters steal your banking credentials and financial data, they will be able to use them as keys to access banks. A moving story Of the victim, carrying out operations not authorized by the owner and transferring funds. The tangible risk is hard-to-accumulate savings drying up over time, thanks Salary and Pension. But let’s also remember that banks’ warnings are also meant to avoid potential trouble with the law.
8 Tips to Avoid Cyber Scams
So what can you do to defend yourself against these attacks? Below is a short list of suggestions:
- check Sender and content of the message, checking whether there are, for example, grammatical errors;
- Never give out confidential information eg Membership code, PIN or card number To third parties and whose reliability is not fully assured.
- Keep away from Suspicious links e Do not scan QR codes. Attachments by email or post of dubious origin;
- Check if the address looks suspicious or different.Official URL of the bank or institution
- Report emails to Customer service Or your own? Bank Branchto verify the means of communication;
- Use alone Official Bank Channels Avoid using QR codes for any type of operation, such as the official app of the credit institution or the bank’s website, i.e. to access any service.
We also remind you that no bank will ask the customer to download it. Home Banking App with one QR code Sent by email or regular mail.
Finally, the use of malicious QR codes to steal personal information and access Bank accounts or may create sensitive victim data. Cybercrimeand anyone responsible can be prosecuted criminally for computer fraud, with both prison terms and fines.
