QR code counterfeit

Toowoomba Police slam sham Covd check-in website

QUEENSLAND police and health authorities have slammed the distribution of information among conspiracy theorists, Covid deniers and anti-lockdown campaigners of a website promoting a fake QR code check-in tick.

The website claims the check-in app was an attempt by the government to steal personal data.

“This information is stored in a database operated by the government. We don’t know who has access to that data, or what happens to it,” the website claims.

The site then informs people on how to generate a fake tick that mimics the appearance of the Check In Qld app allowing people to enter premises requiring a check-in “without arguing with the business owner”.

“This simple workaround creates what looks like a Covid QR tick of approval, but it doesn’t send your private information to the government,” the website says.

The Russian-based IP address has been taken down.

Queensland Police Darling Downs District city patrol group Inspector Paul James said failing to comply with public health orders can attract a $1378 but also puts the community at risk.

“If for some reason there is a positive case and the information around that is misleading obviously it means there is a far greater risk that it turns into an outbreak and has greater consequences in terms of lockdowns and businesses being affected,” he said.

“Police do not have any access to information from the check-in app and it is purely for contact tracing purposes in a health-led response to Covid. It is the high standard of contact tracing in Queensland and general compliance with the rules that have kept us out of the situation experienced in some other states.”

A Queensland Health spokeswoman said the success of contact tracing relied largely on being able to inform communities quickly and accurately, so anyone potentially infected can get tested and isolate.

“We remind Queenslanders of the importance of using the Check In App when they enter venues,” she said.

“This removes the need to rely on memory if your movements need to be traced for contact tracing purposes.

“The app is really quick and easy to use, and if a person doesn’t have a smart phone, they can check in manually by telling a staff member at the venue.”