SKY is warning users over a dangerous cyberattack you must watch out for.
It works by exploiting a simple smartphone mistake that is easy to make.
SkyBeware when using QR codes on your Sky TV[/caption]
Sky warns that some customers have had their financial details stolen in the scam.
Now customers are being urged to check their devices to stay safe.
The scam is linked to a common sign-up system on Sky devices.
“Sometimes when you’re signing up for a new app on Sky Q, Sky Glass or Sky Stream, we might ask you to scan a QR code that appears on your screen,” Sky explained.
“This is so we can get you set up faster.”
QR codes are labels that can be read by a smartphone and then converted into a website link.
What you’re supposed to do is use the QR code scanner built into the official camera on your Apple or Android phone.
This allows you to quickly set up the Sky app.
But Sky says that some customers are using alternative apps – with dangerous results.
In fact, Sky says customers have had their financial details stolen as a result of this type of scam.
“We’re currently seeing a problem where some customers, who are using third-party QR code scanner apps, are being re-directed to a fake website and having their financial details stolen,” Sky warned.
“We’d advise you to only use your phone’s camera when scanning QR codes on Sky pages.
“If your phone camera does not have a built-in scanner, carefully enter the URL provided next to the QR code into your phone’s browser.”
Modern iPhone and Android smartphones have QR code scanners built directly into the camera app.
So there’s no need to download any third-party apps to scan QR codes.
Just open your camera as normal, point it at the code, and then access the link.
The default QR code scanners are totally free.
If you think you’ve handed over your private info to a scammer, make sure to change the passwords on any affected accounts immediately.
And if you’ve given financial information or made a payment to a cybercriminal, contact your bank right away.