Anyone who uses Sky to get their fix of nightly entertainment should be aware of a vicious trick being used by cyber thieves. The satellite telly firm has issued a red alert after the discovery of a sly scam that's incredibly easy to fall for and could hand full bank details to hackers.
Like most technology companies, Sky offers a simple way to set up devices and get things working faster via a QR code which pops up on the screen.
This icon is scanned - via the camera app on the customer's iPhone or Android smartphone - and takes the hassle out of the laborious sign-in process.
However, it seems that cyber thieves are now using this QR code to send customers to fake websites where details such as user names, passwords and even bank account numbers are stolen.
It's a worrying attack but there is a very simple way to avoid becoming the next victim.
Sky says that as long as users only scan the code via the phone's built-in camera app they won't have any issues. The problems start when using so-called QR Scanner applications which are often found on popular app stores and promise to offer more advanced features.
"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. This is so we can get you set up faster," the firm explained.
"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. 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."
Along with the QR code alert, Sky is also urging users to be on the lookout for fake emails and phone calls claiming to be from the company.
Scammers are constantly looking for ways to fleece unsuspecting users and it's a good idea to never respond to a message that arrives in your inbox or start handing out details to a stranger on the phone.
"These are fraudulent calls, emails or texts pretending to be from companies or banks and trying to get money or personal, sensitive or financial info from you. E.g. usernames, passwords, credit card details, or even your Sky viewing card number," Sky added on its help page.
"They might get in touch by phone, email or text, or through a website or social media, and can often look or sound genuine. No matter how you’re contacted, you should always be wary of anything you weren’t expecting."
As always, the advice is simple. Only use official apps, beware of fake emails and never reveal details unless you are 100 percent sure that the person you are dealing with is from Sky.
