Scams and online fraud

QR codes have become part of everyday life. Whether you're ordering food in a restaurant, paying for parking, logging into a streaming service, or accessing information quickly, chances are you've scanned a QR code recently.

Most of the time, QR codes are completely legitimate and offer a convenient way to access websites and services. However, like many technologies, cyber criminals have found ways to misuse them. Understanding the risks and knowing what to look out for can help you stay safe.

The main issue with a QR code is that you can't immediately see where it will take you. Unlike a normal web link, where you can often spot something suspicious, a QR code hides the destination until it is scanned.

Criminals take advantage of this by creating fake QR codes that take people to fraudulent websites designed to steal information, capture passwords, or trick users into making payments.

In some cases, criminals have been known to place fake QR code stickers over genuine ones in public locations such as railway stations, parking machines, and public noticeboards.

A person may believe they are paying for parking or accessing a legitimate service, when in reality they are handing information or money to a scammer.

In the past, phishing emails were often easy to identify. They contained spelling mistakes, poor grammar, strange wording, and generic greetings.

Today, AI can help attackers create highly convincing messages in seconds by using the correct grammar, create tailored messages within seconds, use short audio samples to replicate friends or family and many more. This means the traditional warning signs that many of us relied on are becoming less obvious.

Social engineering is a type of cyber attack that targets people rather than technology. Instead of hacking systems directly, criminals use deception to persuade individuals to click a link, open an attachment, share sensitive information, or transfer money. 

These attacks often rely on urgency, trust, or curiosity. For example, you might receive an email claiming to be from IT Support, a delivery company, or even a senior manager, asking you to take immediate action. Attackers know that when people are busy, they're more likely to react without stopping to verify a request.

Common tactics attackers use include: phishing emails and fake websites, creating a scenario you will believe, offering something tempting or impersonating a person or company you trust. 

This scam succeeds if you act without stopping to think. Take a moment to check whether the request is genuine. 

If you feel a text, phone call or email you’ve received is suspicious, trust your instincts.

For example, we've been made aware that some Southern Housing residents have received scam calls about repairs to their home.  The caller said they were from ‘Housing Disrepair’ and were asking about repairs at the resident’s home. They claimed to be from the resident’s social housing provider.

At Southern Housing we’ll never call residents and ask for personal information (name, age, birth date or address) in order to carry out a repair.

Read more about that specific scam

At the door

Always double-check the identity of callers or messages and always ask to see ID from people at your door.

On the phone

If you're called on the phone, scammers can also create spoof phone numbers and called IDs, so be aware. Trust your instincts if it doesn't seem right. 

In an email or text message

Don't click on links within unexpected emails or text messages. 

Never share sensitive information, like your passwords or bank details, over the phone or online unless you're sure of the requester's identity. 

Create complex passwords if you use online services and change them regularly.

Add this extra layer of security to your online accounts.

Regularly update your applications and devices with the latest software releases for maximum protection.

Take your time and think twice if you have any concerns or doubts about what you're being asked to do. 

Avoid using unsecure or public internet connections when accessing personal accounts or online banking. 

A Southern Housing resident has reported receiving scam calls about repairs to their home.

The caller said they were from ‘Housing Disrepair’ and were asking about repairs at the resident’s home. They claimed to be from the resident’s social housing provider.

This scam call was made from this phone number: 0331 630 4176.

We were made aware from one of our residents that they had received a scam letter from Property Krowd offering misleading information regarding tenancy issues.

The letter mentions Southern Housing however we have no connection with Property Krowd and any association with us is misleading and unauthorised.

This company is not authorised by us to contact you or to collect any information on our behalf.