Protect your identity: How to spot the latest 'quishing' scam mimicking Centrelink and Medicare

In the digital age, staying vigilant against scams is a critical part of protecting your personal information. Unfortunately, scammers are constantly devising new methods to deceive individuals.

The latest tactic preying on Australians involves the misuse of quick response (QR) codes—a technology that has become commonplace today, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic.

This new scam, known as 'quishing', is particularly insidious as it impersonates trusted government entities like Centrelink and Medicare.



QR codes, those small square matrices of black and white pixels, have become a convenient way to access menus, check in at venues, and even make payments.

Their ease of use, however, has opened the door for scammers to exploit them for nefarious purposes.


compressed-side-view-adult-holding-smartphone.jpeg
Cybercriminals are now using QR codes to target unsuspecting victims. Image source: Freepik



Unlike traditional phishing scams that rely on suspicious links in emails or text messages, quishing (a combination of QR and phishing) uses QR codes to direct victims to fraudulent websites where personal and financial information can be stolen.

Australians have been repeatedly cautioned against clicking on links from suspicious emails or text messages, but QR codes seem to be treated with less caution.



Damien Manuel, an Adjunct Professor of Cyber Security at Deakin University, said: ‘[QR codes have] always been there, but they became hugely popular and everybody started [scanning them] without any second thoughts.’

‘[Scanning a code] may show you an abbreviated version of the link [on your device's screen], and you're more likely to, just out of habit, click on it and go straight through,’ he added.

Scammers in the United States and the United Kingdom have also adopted this fraudulent technique.

They attach QR codes to authentic locations such as parking metres and wait for unsuspecting people to scan them. Once the victim scans the code, the scammers steal the individual's personal information.



Consumer group CHOICE has warned that quishing is likely to be one of the top scams this year.

According to The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) Scamwatch, dozens have reported this scam since 2020, with victims losing over $100,000.

Scammers have made attempts to impersonate government agencies such as Medicare and Services Australia.


medicare-suspension-text-scam-news-scams-edit.png
Cybercriminals send QR codes to direct victims to fraudulent websites. Image source: Services Australia



Scammers may send fake emails to myGov users, asking them to update their information through a QR code that takes them to a phishing website.

Scam emails can sometimes bypass spam filters because they use QR codes instead of including dodgy links in the text.



We want to ensure that our members are well-informed and equipped to spot these scams before falling victim to them. So, how can you protect yourself from quishing?

Firstly, be cautious of unsolicited emails or messages that ask you to scan a QR code, especially if they claim to be from government bodies like Medicare or Services Australia.

Always double-check the URL that the QR code directs you to. Make sure it's a legitimate government or official website and not a clever imitation designed to harvest your personal details.

If you're scanning a QR code in public, take a moment to inspect the code for signs of tampering. It's not uncommon for scammers to place their own QR codes over legitimate ones.


Screenshot 2024-04-05 083306.png
It is recommended to verify that QR codes are not fake or covering legitimate ones. Image source: Facebook



If you suspect that you've encountered a quishing scam, it's important to act quickly.

Contact your bank to halt any transactions and prevent further financial loss.

Report the scam to Scamwatch and make an official complaint to the police.

Be wary of follow-up scams, as Scamwatch has warned that one in three scam victims are targeted more than once.



Lastly, don't hesitate to seek support if you've been affected by a scam.

Financial counsellors like Lifeline offer services to help you cope with stress and potential financial fallout on 13 11 14.

IDCARE is another resource that can assist in reducing the harm caused by the compromise of your identity information.

Looking to stay informed on the latest scams? Check out our article featuring the top five scams to be wary of this year.

Key Takeaways
  • Scammers are utilising QR codes in a method known as 'quishing' to steal personal information by impersonating organisations like Medicare and Centrelink.
  • Australians have been cautioned about the risks of scanning QR codes without checking their authenticity, especially in public places.
  • Incidents of quishing have resulted in significant financial losses, with more than $100,000 reported lost in Australia since 2020.
  • It’s important to report any scams to authorities, stop any suspicious transactions with your bank, and seek support if you’ve been a victim.
Remember, your safety and security are paramount. By staying informed and cautious, you can help protect yourself and your loved ones from these modern-day digital threats.

Do you frequently use QR codes? Let us know in the comments below!
 
Sponsored
I think I had one of these embedded into the log in for Binge TV. The QR code opened a website which was asking for my details. I stopped and got out because I thought, they should already have all this info.
 
Once again it’s so bloody simple.
if you get one of these emails delete it and go directly to your MyGov app and log in!
Or simply check with Centrelink via thecorrectohone number.
If you scan a QR code from one of these emails the yo are a complete fool and deserve to lose your $$$
 
Once again it’s so bloody simple.
if you get one of these emails delete it and go directly to your MyGov app and log in!
Or simply check with Centrelink via thecorrectohone number.
If you scan a QR code from one of these emails the yo are a complete fool and deserve to lose your $$$
That's very harsh !! Some people have limitations, like autism or mental health issues and not as savvy as you are! .

I personally can look through these scams and so far have been safe, but lot of people are very trusting and become victims of these criminals .....
 
How can you scan a QR code that's actually on your phone? 🤔 You'd need another phone with a QR scanner to read it.

I sometimes put a QR code on FB at Christmas with a photo of my family in the middle and a Christmas greeting. People know it's from me. 😁
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ezzy and paulamc52
3 SIMLPE RULES !!!!!!!!!

Treat everything as a SCAM until you know 100% otherwise.

Legit companies DO NOT send links or QR codes via messages.

If you use unsolicited links and codes YOU WILL GET SCAMMED.
 
Just when you thought these pond-scum scammers could sink no lower they find a way to sink even deeper into the slime. I got a text yesterday, purporting to be from myGov, informing me that my pension had been suspended and to click on a link to update my details. Obviously I deleted it and checked my myGov account to see if there was a problem. Of course there wasn't one.
These maggots are now targetting battlers and the elderly to finance their lifestyles.
I've never been one for vigilantism but I almost feel it's approaching time to get out the pitchforks and nooses and string some of these bastards up by the cajones, if they have any.
The governments find them, fine them a few hundred dollars, give them a suspended sentence, then send them back into the free world to rape and pillage some more.
So over it 🤬🤬🤬
 

Join the conversation

News, deals, games, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.

Seniors Discount Club

The SDC searches for the best deals, discounts, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.
  1. New members
  2. Jokes & fun
  3. Photography
  4. Nostalgia / Yesterday's Australia
  5. Food and Lifestyle
  6. Money Saving Hacks
  7. Offtopic / Everything else

Latest Articles

  • We believe that retirement should be a time to relax and enjoy life, not worry about money. That's why we're here to help our members make the most of their retirement years. If you're over 60 and looking for ways to save money, connect with others, and have a laugh, we’d love to have you aboard.
  • Advertise with us

User Menu

Enjoyed Reading our Story?

  • Share this forum to your loved ones.
Change Weather Postcode×
Change Petrol Postcode×