Dubai: Using public transport? RTA warns of fake QR codes

Do you use public transport in Dubai regularly? You should keep an eye out for fake QR codes in public areas, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has warned.

Scanning a fake QR code could have serious consequences, which could lead to data theft and bank fraud among other major scams.

Dubai’s RTA has warned commuters against scanning random QR codes and has asked them to be wary of any possible tampering done with official ones as well.

The authority has also issued some guidelines for commuters to be able to ensure the authenticity of the links. Here are some things you should be aware of:

• QR codes that are on stickers or overlays
• Codes that lead to websites with suspicious URLs and typos or requesting unnecessary personal information
• Messages or emails of ‘new systems’ or updated services with attached QR codes