Security News > 2022 > February > Stealing Bicycles by Swapping QR Codes

They're stealing Citi Bikes by switching the QR scan codes on two bicycles near each other at a docking station, then waiting for an unsuspecting cyclist to try to unlock a bike with his or her smartphone app.

The app doesn't work for the rider but does free up the nearby Citi Bike with the switched code, where a thief is waiting, jumps on the bicycle and rides off.

Presumably they're using camera, printers, and stickers to swap the codes on the bikes.

Presumably the victim is charged for not returning the stolen bicycle.

This story is from last year, but I hadn't seen it before.

News URL

https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2022/02/stealing-bicycles-by-swapping-qr-codes.html