5 tips to help you avoid getting hooked by quishing scams

When it comes to online scams, phishing is easily one of the most common occurrences we all need to watch out for. If you're unfamiliar with the term, phishing is when scammers pretend to be a reputable company when sending emails or other messages - primarily in order to get you to give them your personal information.

Most of us have become pretty savvy when it comes to spotting a scam. Whether it’s a dodgy text or a suspicious email, those little red flags are hard to miss - odd spellings, generic greetings, or gibberish email addresses are all common examples. You probably pause, investigate a little further, and realise it’s a scam. Well, they've upgraded their tactics. Enter: Quishing, or QR phishing. It’s a new means of swindling people out of personal data and money, and it has been affecting drivers up and down the country as of late. Allow us to explain.

What is quishing?

Quishing is basically a new kind of phishing attack that uses QR codes to steal personal data or, in most cases, money. This sneaky trick has been catching people off guard, especially drivers. It might start with an innocent-looking flyer on your car, a parking notice, or even a QR code on a park-and-pay car park. It looks innocent enough, but when you scan the code, it directs you to a fake website designed to harvest your personal details or even drain your bank account.

It’s a worrying development, but the good news is that, just like with other scams, a little knowledge goes a long way. So here's how quishing works, what to look out for, and how you can stay one step ahead.

1. Be wary QR codes before you scan

Since COVID-19, we've always steered away from using coins, and it's kind of stuck because QR codes are designed for convenience, but don't let that convenience lower your guard! We know you want to park up and go, but it's so important to verify the source before scanning a QR code, especially if it's just a sticker stuck on the side of a pay station. Take a look for a second, and ask yourself, does it seem out of place?

If even a small part of you feels like it is, trust your instincts, don't take the risk. There'll be a different way for you to verify your parking or a number you can ring!

2. Keep your devices and payment apps as secure as possible

To keep your bank account and your personal data safe, make sure your smartphone and any payment apps are always updated with the latest software and security patches. You can set these updates to happen automatically on most phones, so you don't even have to worry about it. Scammers often target outdated systems to steal personal information because it's easier.

You can even get antivirus software for most smartphones these days, and that'll add an extra level of protection with the security features helping to spot any suspicious websites or apps before it's too late.

3. When in doubt, pay with cash

If you ever feel uncertain about a QR code or payment system in a car park, paying with cash is always a safe choice! Since cash is physical, it can't be tampered with, and at worst, you'll lose a few quid, but at least you won't have to give up any of your personal details.

Most car parks still have cash machines for payment. If cash isn't an option for you, try to find a kiosk that lets you pay with a card directly without needing to scan a QR code. It's always a good idea to stick with secure and reliable payment methods.

Quishing scams may be on the rise, but as long as you stay in the now and adopt safe practices, you'll be just fine! Sometimes, having that extra bit of knowledge can go a long way towards helping you with that peace of mind - and our staff know that better than anyone here at Intack Self Drive. So if you ever have any questions about car hire or van hire, you can always feel free to ask our team.

Our fleet has more than 500 vehicles to choose from, including cars, vans and minibuses – so whatever you need, we've got you covered! We offer both daily hire and weekly hire options, and if you’re not quite sure how long you’ll need the car, don’t worry! Our flexi hire gives you the freedom and flexibility to choose what works best for you.