When you’re traveling through Europe, snapping pics of landmarks, and enjoying the local cuisine, the last thing you want to worry about is someone trying to trick you into sharing your personal info. Recently, criminals have been using something as simple as a QR code to do just that. These special codes, which we often scan for menus or maps, have become tools for bad guys running a scam called “quishing.”

So, how does this quishing thing work? Well, imagine you’re sitting in a cozy café and you see a QR code stuck to the table. It says, “Scan for a free guide to the city’s hidden gems.” Sounds great, right? But when you scan it with your phone, instead of a guide, you are sent to a fake website that looks real. It might ask you to enter your email or bank details to access this special guide, and without thinking twice, you might just do it. That’s where the trouble starts. Your private information goes straight to the scammers.

This trick isn’t just happening in cafes. These sneaky QR codes can be found on flyers, posters, and even stickers placed over real codes at tourist attractions. The aim is to confuse and deceive people who are just trying to enjoy their trip.

It’s important to be super careful with QR codes while traveling. Before you scan, take a good look to make sure the code looks legit and hasn’t been tampered with, like a sticker placed over another QR code. If you’re not sure, it’s always better to skip scanning and not risk having your personal details stolen.

Looking out for these scams can help keep your vacation from turning into a headache. To learn more about protecting yourself from these kinds of tricks, visit Dark Reading’s article on the subject at www.darkreading.com/threat-intelligence/qr-phishing-scams-motorized-momentum-uk.

And if you’re worried about keeping your personal information safe, or you want to ensure your business isn’t falling for similar traps, Diversified Outlook Group can lend a hand. The group offers advice and services to help you steer clear of these sneaky scams. Whether you’re an individual or a business, they have experts who understand these risks and can help you outsmart the quishers. Send an email to support@diversifiedoutlookgroup.com and find out how they can help protect you and your data.