QR Code Scams on the Rise Globally
It’s not just Vietnam that is experiencing a surge in QR code scams. Global security organization, Cofense, has reported a significant increase in QR code campaigns targeting Microsoft login information from users in various businesses and organizations across the United States. More than 1,000 emails with QR codes attached as image or PDF files have been identified, leading to websites containing malware aimed at critical organizations in the energy and financial sectors.
A similar campaign has been uncovered in the UK, where public parking meters were tampered with by replacing the original QR codes with fake ones, redirecting unsuspecting users to a phishing page. Many individuals have reported unauthorized monthly deductions of approximately 50 euros by this fraudulent service.
Why Are Scammers Targeting QR Codes?
Mr. Vu Ngoc Son, Director of Technology at NSC Cybersecurity Company, explains that QR codes can only be decoded and displayed through specialized scanners or, more commonly, smartphone cameras. The human eye cannot discern the content of a QR code, nor can it easily differentiate between different codes.
Fraudsters take advantage of this display factor, along with the widespread use of QR codes, to disguise malicious links or fake account numbers as QR codes, tricking unsuspecting users. If users are not vigilant, they may end up scanning and accessing malicious links or transferring money to fake accounts without realizing it.
In Vietnam, QR codes are often printed and framed, placed on counters, or even duplicated and pasted in various areas within a store. This creates an opportunity for scammers to tamper with the codes, leading to incorrect money transfers.
To mitigate the risk of accidental money transfers via QR codes, ACB recommends that users verify the account number and account holder’s name with the store owner before scanning. Business owners are also advised to inspect their QR codes daily to promptly detect any tampering.
Peace of Mind for Businesses with ACB’s Anti-Counterfeit QR Code Technology
Mr. Nguyen Tam Khoa, Deputy Director of the Individual Customer Block and Director of the Payment Solutions Center at Asia Commercial Joint Stock Bank, reassures: “Customers don’t need to worry excessively as QR codes are not inherently malicious. They are merely a medium for transmitting information. Regarding payment QR codes, ACB has promptly updated anti-counterfeit and anti-tampering technologies to ensure the safety of account holders’ funds. ACB is also the first bank to introduce this technology to the market.”
The payment QR codes are designed with a distinct 7-color light streak that, when scanned through a smartphone camera, creates a prominent visual effect, making it challenging for scammers to counterfeit or tamper with the codes without detection. ACB’s payment QR codes serve as a unique anti-counterfeit seal for the bank.
The bank representative also emphasized that each solution they offer is meticulously researched based on a deep understanding of their customers’ needs. They strive to meet existing demands while anticipating future scenarios to continuously enhance their applications, offering the most benefits to their clients. This differentiated strategy sets ACB apart in product development, going beyond mere understanding to actively accompanying customers on their financial journeys.
ACB’s anti-counterfeit technology incorporates a distinct 7-color light streak into the QR code design. Should scammers attempt to tamper with the code by pasting something over it, the alteration would be immediately noticeable to the naked eye.
On August 10, ACB also introduced its Store Management Solution directly to over 100,000 stores across 49 provinces in Vietnam, receiving positive feedback, especially regarding the QR code feature.
Ms. K.A., owner of a souvenir shop in Danang, shared her experience: “This anti-counterfeit material is indeed necessary. My shop caters to many tourists, and we often have continuous orders, so it’s challenging to constantly monitor the account balance. Once, a fake QR code was pasted over ours, and we only noticed it after losing several million dong in sales. With this new solution, I feel much more secure. It’s easy to spot the 7-color streak, so any tampering would be immediately obvious.”
Customers also appreciate the exclusive design of the QR code set, inspired by the five elements and accompanied by five wishes for prosperity:
Gold Alliance – Abundant Wealth
Wood Alliance – Blooming Fortune
Water Alliance – Fluid Wealth
Fire Alliance – Lucky Fire
Earth Alliance – Prosperous Soil
ACB offers these QR code sets for free, delivering them directly to the stores. Business owners can choose between a decal or a standing board, depending on their needs.
In addition to the anti-counterfeit QR codes, ACB’s Store Management Solution provides various benefits, including centralized payment, operation, and management features tailored to the specific needs of business owners. These include creating a separate receiving account for the store, instant transaction notifications for employees without revealing the balance, and precise order tracking. ACB’s deep understanding of its customers has led to the development of this comprehensive financial solution, with all store management features integrated into the ACB ONE application, making it a truly wise and powerful financial ally for business owners.
To celebrate the launch of the Store Management Solution, ACB is offering a special promotion for business owners: For each transaction of 50,000 VND or more received through the store’s QR code or account, the bank will refund 3,000 VND. This program will refund up to 100,000 VND/customer/month for the first two months after creating the first store account on ACB ONE.
Get your free QR code set at https://acb.com.vn/giai-phap-quan-ly-cua-hang
ACB ONE also offers various personal spending benefits to business owners using their ACB accounts, including up to 100K VND discounts when scanning VNPAY-QR codes for payments and earning ACB Rewards points that can be redeemed for entertainment, dining, and beauty privileges. If you don’t have an ACB account yet, you can open one online here to access multiple receiving accounts and experience the full range of optimized management solutions offered by the wise ally team.
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