01A typical message
A sticker on a parking meter: “Pay by QR, faster and contactless”, placed over the real code and leading to a lookalike payment page.
Example for illustration; real messages vary.
02Warning signs
- A sticker placed on top of another code, or a code that looks added later.
- The address it opens is not the official one of the car park, restaurant or company.
- It asks for card details for a small, everyday payment.
03What to do
- Before paying, look at the full address the QR code opens.
- Use the MyScanner QR scanner: it shows where the code leads and checks that address before you open it.
- When in doubt, pay through the official app or at the counter.
04Already clicked or replied?
- Stop: do not enter anything else on that page and close it.
- If you typed a password, change it now on the real site or app, and turn on two-step verification.
- If you entered card details or approved a payment, call your bank on the number on your card and block the card.
- If you installed an app from a link, delete it and scan your phone with a trusted security app.
- Report it: forward scam SMS and links to your operator, and to your bank if it used their name.
Check it with MyScanner
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