PLDT warned the mobile phone users against a new QR code scam.
PLDT — On Friday, the telecommunications company warned mobile phone users against “quishing” or a QR code scam and reminded them to be vigilant.
PLDT Inc and Smart’s Cyber Security Operations Group warned that fraudsters move to use QR (quick response) codes in scamming activities.
The telecommunications company said that there were customer reports of malicious QR codes from dubious individuals, electronic mails, or messaging platforms.
According to PLDT, the said activity is called “quishing” or the use of QR codes that directs victims to a fake version of legitimate websites when scanned in order to lure them into disclosing their sensitive information.
“When victims enter their personal data on the fake website, the hackers will immediately capture them and use the information to take control of their various accounts including their digital wallets,” said PLDT and Smart FVP and Chief Information and Security Officer Angel Redoble.
ABS-CBN News reported that the use of QR codes has accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic as it has also been proven to streamline and make payments more convenient.
Even BSP (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas) has released a standard QR code system called “QR PH” in order to promote interoperability in the use of the technology despite merchants and users having accounts in different banks or digital wallets.
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The telco also said that the public should still be wary of other types of scam — including “smishing” (the use of SMS in scamming activities) and “vishing” (the use of voice calls in scamming activities).
“Remember what our parents taught us about not talking to strangers? This remains true to this day, whether you’re interacting in person or on your gadgets,” Redoble said.
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