Black Friday is rapidly approaching, and while shoppers across the UK are eagerly awaiting discounts, scammers have their sights set on a different target. As millions of packages are expected to traverse the postal system in the upcoming weeks, cybercriminals are taking advantage of the chaos to perpetrate fraudulent schemes at people’s doorsteps.
Recent reports from various UK publications have highlighted a significant rise in a tactic known as quishing, where criminals embed phishing attacks within QR codes. This deceptive technique is now being merged with a revived brushing scam, becoming more aggressive as Black Friday approaches.
Technology expert Theodore Ullrich from Tomorrow Lab has observed a surge in this scam, attributing it to consumers’ anticipation of deliveries. Ullrich warns that unsuspecting recipients are lured into scanning QR codes on unexpected parcels, leading them to phishing websites designed to extract personal and financial information swiftly.
According to Ullrich, the unsolicited parcel deception plays on people’s curiosity and trust, making them vulnerable to these scams. He emphasizes that scammers are leveraging readily available personal information to make fraudulent packages appear genuine, with some fake websites being near-identical replicas of legitimate ones.
Ullrich cautions that as Black Friday nears, scammers are likely to escalate their deceptive tactics, exploiting the high volume of online shopping activity during this period. He advises recipients to verify unexpected parcels directly with the company through official channels and to be vigilant about potential phishing attempts via QR codes.
To safeguard against such scams, Ullrich recommends changing passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and monitoring financial statements for any suspicious activity. He stresses the importance of scrutinizing QR codes and urges recipients to refrain from scanning unfamiliar codes, even if they appear legitimate, to prevent falling victim to identity theft or financial fraud.
In conclusion, Ullrich underscores the importance of staying cautious and composed, advising individuals to refrain from hasty actions and to remain vigilant during the Black Friday rush. Being overly cautious is preferable to risking identity compromise due to fraudulent schemes.