Drivers are being ripped off: New scam at e-charging stations

Cybercriminals are constantly developing new strategies to access bank accounts. Now the focus has been on electronic charging stations.

Frankfurt – Fraudsters keep finding new loopholes in the system. They are developing new ways to obtain sensitive data or steal money from their victims. So-called phishing emails are a frequently used method. But now a new scam is circulating.

“Quishing”: New scam at e-charging stations across Europe

Based on the term phishing, there is now quishing. The danger lies in electric car charging stations. The criminals' target is account data.

“New electric car drivers who are not yet accustomed to public charging stations are particularly at risk,” says Eddie Willems, an IT security expert. Car engine and sports Quoted. The expert warns that fraud is widespread throughout Europe and possibly throughout the world.

Criminals cover QR codes with fake parts to get credit card details

But how can electric car drivers fall victim to the new scam? QR codes can be found stuck at the charging station. After scanning the code, you usually end up on the operator’s official website and continue with the payment process as usual. But you have to be careful here.

Because criminals cover up existing QR codes with modified ones, fraudsters now end up on a slightly fake website for an online banking app. This way, fraudsters gain access to credit card data and can use it for their own purposes.

Scammers Force Victims to Use QR Codes – Charging Stations Aren’t They Safe From Hackers?

The car magazine also finds an answer to the question of why you should use the QR code at the charging station instead of the charging app. Because cybercriminals can force the use of the QR code. All you have to do is install jammers that prevent you from using the app on your cell phone.

That's why expert Willems strongly advocates the use of QR codes on screens. They can't be pasted on, and hacking a charging station is “very difficult.”

Charging station operator warns of new scam

But in Ionica charging station company, that could be exactly what happened. The warning states that “the QR codes displayed on some of our charging devices could be manipulated by fraudsters.” However, Ionity leaves open the exact form of the scam.

The company's only advice is to “always make sure you are redirected to our official payment site, this advice also protects against fraud.” (mg)