Black Friday is approaching rapidly, and while shoppers across the UK are eagerly eyeing dropping prices, scammers have turned their attention to a different target. As millions of parcels are expected to traverse the postal system in the upcoming weeks, cybercriminals are taking advantage of the hustle and bustle by sending out fraudulent schemes directly to unsuspecting individuals.
Recent reports from various UK publications have highlighted a surge in a deceptive tactic known as quishing, where criminals embed phishing attacks within QR codes. This approach is now being melded with a revamped brushing scam, becoming more aggressive just in time for the Black Friday rush.
According to technology expert Theodore Ullrich from Tomorrow Lab, scammers are ramping up their activities as consumers eagerly await their deliveries. He cautions that when people are monitoring multiple orders simultaneously, they are more susceptible to trusting an unexpected package that arrives at their doorstep.
Ullrich warns that receiving an unsolicited parcel is not merely an inconvenience but could lead to a serious security breach. Scammers capitalize on recipients’ curiosity and trust by enticing them to scan QR codes that redirect to phishing websites, aiming to extract personal and financial information within seconds.
The scam is an evolved version of traditional brushing scams, now incorporating QR codes that link to phishing sites. Criminals exploit easily accessible personal data to make fraudulent parcels appear authentic, often mimicking legitimate websites down to the smallest details.
As the Black Friday craze unfolds, Ullrich alerts the public that scammers are becoming more audacious, leveraging the influx of online shopping activities. He advises individuals to be cautious and vigilant, urging them to verify unexpected parcels directly with the company through official channels and to avoid scanning unfamiliar QR codes.
In conclusion, Ullrich emphasizes the importance of staying alert and taking proactive measures to safeguard personal information. In the midst of heightened online shopping activities, he advocates for thorough verification of all unexpected deliveries and QR codes to prevent falling victim to identity theft and financial fraud.
