Scanned a QR code in Dubai? Watch out for ‘quishing’ scams
Dubai: From restaurant menus to parking payments, QR codes have become part of everyday life. But that familiar black-and-white square can also be used to steal passwords, banking information and other personal details. Dubai Police’s eCrime Hub - ecrimehub.gov.ae - warns about a cyberattack known as “quishing” – short for QR code phishing – where scammers use malicious QR codes to direct victims…
Dubai residents are advised to exercise caution when scanning QR codes, as they can be used in a new type of cyberattack known as "quishing." This involves scammers using malicious QR codes to direct victims to fake websites or prompt unsafe downloads, potentially stealing passwords, banking information and other personal details.
To avoid falling victim to quishing, the Dubai Police eCrime Hub recommends several precautions. First, always check the source of a QR code before scanning it. Be wary if a code appears in an unusual location or seems to be covering another code. After scanning, carefully examine the website address before proceeding. Most smartphones allow users to preview the destination, so look for unfamiliar or suspicious web addresses.
Avoid entering personal or banking information on sites reached through QR codes, especially if the request is unexpected. Only download applications from official app stores, not through QR code prompts.
If you suspect you've scanned a fraudulent QR code or visited a fake website, immediately close the webpage without entering any information. Take screenshots of the QR code, suspicious website and any related messages for later reference. Report the incident to the Dubai Police eCrime Division through their online portal or mobile app. For further assistance, residents can contact Dubai Police at 901 for non-emergency inquiries or 999 in case of emergencies.
Written by urgent.news from Gulf News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
