Fake QR codes scams on charging stations in France: how to stay protected?
12 December 2024 - 4 minutes to read
With the rise of electric vehicles, new types of fraud are emerging, such as fake QR code scams on charging stations. While these incidents remain rare in France, it’s essential to know the best practices to protect your data and charge your vehicle with peace of mind. As a trusted player in the electric mobility ecosystem, Chargemap is committed to raising awareness about these scams. In this article, learn how these scams work, how to spot fraudulent QR codes, and the key precautions to avoid unpleasant surprises.
What is a QR code charging station scam?
Scammers place fake QR codes on charging stations, often covering the legitimate ones. When scanned, these codes redirect users to fraudulent websites that mimic official EV charging operators’ platforms. There, users are prompted to provide sensitive information, such as their banking details, to pay for the charging session.
Fraud mechanisms in detail
- QR Code Replacement or Overlay: Scammers replace or cover legitimate QR codes with fake ones.
- Phishing Disguised as “Quishing”*: The fake website asks for payments or personal data under the pretext of completing or paying for a charging session.
- Payment Diversion: Any payments made on these fraudulent sites are typically redirected straight into the scammers’ accounts.
*Quishing: Inspired by phishing (email or SMS scams), quishing serves a similar purpose: tricking users into clicking on a fraudulent link to steal money or personal information, such as banking details or login credentials.
Why target charging stations?
Charging stations, often located in public places, can be “easy” targets for scammers. With the growing popularity of electric vehicles, these stations have become strategic points for launching fraudulent schemes, reaching an ever-expanding user base.
How to identify a fake QR code?
Identifying a fraudulent QR code on a charging station is essential to avoid falling victim to scams. While these fraud attempts can be subtle, certain signs can help you detect a suspicious code.
Signs of a suspicious QR code
- Unusual Placement: Check if the QR code is misaligned, pasted over another code, or looks different from the station’s other visual elements.
- Lack of Official Branding: Genuine QR codes typically feature a logo or a reference to the charging station operator.
- Unusual URL: Before clicking, inspect the website address linked to the QR code. If the URL looks strange or differs from the operator’s official site (e.g., spelling mistakes or unusual domain extensions), avoid proceeding.
Best practices for safe QR code scanning
- Use the Operator’s Official App: It allows you to scan QR codes securely without going through a web browser.
- Enable Security Alerts on Your Device: Some smartphones automatically detect suspicious URLs and issue a warning.
By following these tips, you can reduce the risks associated with using QR codes to charge your electric vehicle.
What to do if you fall victim to a scam?
If you’ve fallen victim to a QR code scam on a charging station, it’s crucial to act quickly to minimize the damage. Here are the steps to take to protect yourself and report the incident.
Steps to report a fraud
- Block Your Bank Card: Contact your bank as soon as you notice the scam to block any payments from your card.
- Report the Fraud to Authorities: File a complaint with the police for the theft of your banking details and their potential use in fraudulent transactions.
- Notify the Charging Station Operator: Inform the operator about the suspicious QR code on their station so they can take appropriate action.
Tools to protect your personal information
- Monitor Your Bank Accounts: Regularly check your transactions for any suspicious activity.
- Change Your Passwords: If you entered login credentials on a fraudulent site, update your passwords for other linked services.
Acting quickly after a scam is essential to minimize its impact and prevent cybercriminals from exploiting your information. Reporting the scam also helps improve security for other EV charging station users.
Precautions for safe EV charging
Adopting good habits when recharging your electric vehicle is essential to avoid any potential scams and recharge your car with complete peace of mind.
Use reliable charging services
Using an EV charging card, such as the Chargemap Pass, is one of the safest ways to charge securely. It provides secure access to a vast network of charging stations across Europe.
To charge your vehicle, simply swipe your card on the reader and follow the instructions on the screen or the station itself. There’s no need to scan a QR code to start or pay for your charging session.
Order your Chargemap RFID card
💡The Chargemap app can also help you prevent fake QR code scams by enabling you to:
💬 Check user reviews to see if any scams have been reported.
📷 Compare shared photos in the app with the actual charging station.
🚨 Report any suspicious QR code by leaving a comment.
With its user-friendly interface and real-time updates, the Chargemap app is your essential travel companion
Conclusion
Staying vigilant against QR code scams at charging stations is essential. If you notice anything suspicious, be sure to report it to the Chargemap team. These reports help quickly inform the relevant charging networks and reduce risks for other users.
The support of the Chargemap community is another major asset: by sharing your observations through comments in the app, you help alert other drivers and strengthen collective security. With a bit of caution and the support of reliable solutions, charging your electric vehicle remains a simple, safe, and stress-free experience.