As Black Friday approaches, while shoppers eagerly await price drops, scammers are focusing on a different target. With a surge in package deliveries expected, cybercriminals are taking advantage of the situation by perpetrating scams directly to people’s homes. Recent reports have highlighted a rise in “quishing” incidents in the UK, where criminals embed phishing attacks within QR codes.
Experts are now warning that this tactic, combined with a revived brushing scam, is becoming more aggressive as Black Friday draws near. Technology specialist Theodore Ullrich from Tomorrow Lab has observed a heightened level of this scam due to consumers anticipating deliveries. He emphasizes that when individuals are tracking multiple orders, they are more likely to trust an unexpected package, which is precisely what fraudsters exploit as a vulnerable moment.
Ullrich explains that scammers use unsolicited parcels as a ploy to direct victims to phishing websites through QR codes, capitalizing on people’s curiosity and trust. This tactic, a modern variation of traditional brushing scams, poses a significant threat as it aims to extract personal and financial information from unsuspecting individuals.
As criminals leverage the abundance of personal data available online, Ullrich stresses the ease with which scammers can create convincing fake packages and websites. He warns that people should remain vigilant, especially during the busy shopping period, as scammers tend to strike when consumers are preoccupied with deliveries.
To combat these scams, Ullrich advises recipients of unexpected packages to contact the company through official channels rather than using any contact information provided on the package. He urges people to take such incidents seriously, recommending steps like changing passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and monitoring financial statements for any suspicious activity.
In conclusion, Ullrich emphasizes the importance of skepticism towards unfamiliar parcels and QR codes, urging people to avoid scanning codes from unverified sources. By staying cautious and composed, individuals can thwart scammers’ attempts to exploit the holiday shopping rush and protect their identities and finances from potential harm.
