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Be careful, Chemnitz! Fake QR codes cause data theft!
Chemnitz in focus: Innovations at the start-up center, new QR code scams at parking meters and protective measures against quishing.
Be careful, Chemnitz! Fake QR codes cause data theft!
There's a lot happening in the innovation scene in Chemnitz! The new coworking location on Zwickauer Straße has long since established itself as a contact point for creative minds. In this special space, the start-up “authentic.network” is working on clever counterfeit protection to protect consumers from counterfeit products. This is done using innovative QR codes, which will soon be found on Liqui Moly bottles. These codes, which are emblazoned in a green frame, can easily be scanned using the “authentic.network” app. The highlight: For original bottles, the app displays a green checkmark that confirms to the user that they are holding a genuine product in their hands. This initiative takes Chemnitz's startup culture to a new level and underlines the trend of promoting innovations directly from the region.
But not everything that glitters in Chemnitz is gold. An alarming problem has emerged at several parking ticket machines in the city. Manipulated QR codes were discovered at 13 locations, appearing primarily in hotspots such as the Getreidemarkt and Hartmannstrasse. Fraudsters have unpacked the “quishing” scam, in which fake stickers are stuck on the machines. These do not lead users to the actual EasyPark app, but to fake websites such as easypark.live. Sensitive data such as vehicle data and credit card information is requested there. The real QR codes, on the other hand, simply point to the app or the app store without the need to enter any personal information.
Be careful when scanning QR codes
The city of Chemnitz is reacting to this wave of fraud and announced regular checks on parking machines. A criminal complaint was also filed with the police. The city administration emphasizes that users who have fallen on the fraudulent site should report to the police immediately. An important note for all drivers: Before scanning, you should always check whether a sticker is covering the original QR code. In suspected cases, it is better to buy the parking ticket with coins.
There is now also a practical tip for the citizens of Chemnitz from the Lower Saxony Consumer Center. It is advisable to install the EasyPark app in advance to minimize the risk when parking. The consumer advice center also offers free short consultations on various topics. For more complex questions, an appointment can even be made for a personal or video consultation to review important information in detail.
In this day and age when online fraud is becoming more and more sophisticated, it is essential to be vigilant and protect your own home and data. Chemnitz's start-up center and the city's constant innovative strength are positive, but citizens should always be on their guard and keep an eye on such scams.