The expert warned about the risks of paying by QR code

An expert on socio-economic policy, Yakov Yakubovich, warned that the substitution of QR codes has already become a real threat to users.

In an interview with the agency RuNews24.Ru On Tuesday, June 16, he pointed out that the main risk arises when scanning the code through a regular smartphone camera or third-party applications, since in this case there is practically no verification of banking details. As a result, a person can end up on a phishing site, and it is almost impossible to visually distinguish a fake QR code from a real one.

The specialist recommended paying for purchases only through the built-in scanner of a banking application or a quick payment System, not using QR codes from emails and messengers, and always checking the recipient's name before confirming the transfer.

The expert noted that the main vulnerability remains the human factor. In his opinion, the problem lies not so much in the technology itself as in the lack of digital literacy of users. He stressed that until people develop the habit of following the basic rules of payment security, fraudsters will continue to take advantage of their inattention.

In May, the head of the "Call me Back" project at the Moscow Department of Information Technology, Valentina Shilina, said that before paying with a QR code, you should always pause and carefully check the pop-up link. If it seems suspicious or leads to an unfamiliar website, it is better not to take risks and not go, the Moscow City News agency reports.

Also in May, lawyer Alexander Khaminsky warned about the risks associated with checks left at the checkout. He explained that the receipt contains the date and time of purchase, store address, amount and loyalty program information, and sometimes a bonus ID or QR code. According to him, fraudsters can use this information to make convincing calls on behalf of a bank or store, as well as to return stolen goods and receive compensation or gift certificates. 360.ru .

In April, Vladimir Zykov, editor-in-chief of the IT publication Runet, told RT that fake QR codes for payment can usually be found in places where a person pays quickly and does not have time to double-check the recipient. These may include parking lots, vending machines, markets, temporary cafes, and seasonal points of sale. It is also worth being wary of a fake QR code in catering establishments and self-service places, NSN notes.

At the same time, the press service of the Moshelovka platform of the Popular Front warned that fraudsters were pasting fake QR codes on top of the real ones, after scanning which the user goes to a phishing site. It is noted that the target audience is mainly users who regularly rent scooters and bicycles, as well as young people and tourists.