EV Charging Station QR Codes Lead to Insurance Scams

Consumers in China have encountered deceptive practices when using QR codes on electric vehicle charging stations. Reports indicate users are being misled into providing personal and banking details, resulting in unexpected insurance premium deductions.

One reported incident involved a consumer, identified as Mr. Solang from Nyingchi, Tibet, while charging his electric car. Upon scanning the charging station's QR code, a page appeared that did not resemble a typical advertisement. The page requested bank card and mobile number details, which Mr. Solang assumed were necessary for the charging process. Subsequently, he received a notification from his bank about a deduction from an insurance company.

The consumer stated the pop-up page did not appear to be an advertisement, lacking common features like a close button or countdown timer. Furthermore, it did not clearly present itself as an insurance offer or provide detailed product information. This type of "pop-up insurance" tactic is reportedly occurring in various consumer scenarios, including QR code scans for smart lockers, shared power banks, and parking payment systems.

Authorities are investigating these incidents to understand the methods used and the extent of the issue. Consumers are advised to exercise caution when scanning QR codes in public charging areas and to carefully verify the legitimacy of any linked pages before submitting personal information.