Users of shared bikes, available for rent in cities such as Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte, Curitiba, and São Paulo, are being scammed by stickers with fake QR codes over the originals. The change means that those who try to pay to unlock the bikes end up activating someone else’s rental.
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Company Response
When contacted, the company responsible for the service stated that it is aware of such actions and that it maintains the stations and checks the QR Codes daily to ensure that its facilities are working properly. In addition, it is also installing self-destructive QR Codes on the bikes, which tear and lose their validity when removed.
Civil Police
The Civil Police stated that it is not investigating the alleged scam because there have been no reports of any incidents regarding the action.
How it Works
The bikes are rented through a mobile app. The tool provides an online map with the addresses of the stations and the number of free bikes at each one. Payment can be made through the app. Another payment option is to access the QR code pasted on each of the bikes. Users who claim to have fallen for the scam say that the fake codes, pasted over the originals, unlock bikes at other points.
Analysis:
The fraud involving the use of fake QR codes on shared bikes in cities such as Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte, Curitiba, and São Paulo highlights a growing vulnerability in technology-based urban mobility systems. It is essential to note that this type of fraud compromises not only the integrity of the service but also users’ trust in sustainable transport solutions.
At the same time, the fact that the Civil Police is not investigating the case due to the lack of reports suggests underreporting, which may be due to the perception that these incidents are trivial or difficult to resolve. This can lead to a false sense of security, both on the part of the company and the authorities, prolonging the cycle of fraud.
Sources: A Folha de SP.
