Tag: #restaurants

Think Before You Scan: That QR Code May Be a Scam

In quishing attacks, cybercriminals place QR codes containing malicious links in public places, such as parking meters or restaurants, or send these QR codes via email. Such attacks can result in financial losses, stolen personal data, or compromised device, cybersecurity experts warn.

January XX, 2026. At the start of January, the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) issued a warning against cyber attacks organised by North Korean cybercriminals who used fake QR codes to trick users into obtaining personal information. According to cybersecurity experts, similar attacks, also known as “quishing”, are on the rise not only in the US but in other countries, as cybercriminals look for new ways to profit.

Quishg (QR code phishing) is a phishing technique where cybercriminals try to trick users into scanning QR codes that lead to malicious websites. Organisations in several countries have issued warnings that bad actors place these QR codes on top of legitimate ones in public places such as kiosks, restaurants, or parking meters.

For example, last year, UK government institutions have warned users of fake QR stickers on parking machines, with victims being sent to spoofed payment pages. Meanwhile, the US Federal Trade Commission issued a similar warning about unexpected packages containing QR codes that led to phishing websites.

Such fake QR codes can also be shared online. For example, the FBI said that a North Korean state-sponsored cybercriminal group, called Kimusky, targeted employees of organizations by embedding malicious QR codes in an email. In one such instance, a QR code was presented as a way to download additional information.

According to cybersecurity experts at Planet VPN, a free virtual private network (VPN) provider, no matter where a fake QR code is placed, the scheme is similar. After scanning it, a user is often forwarded to a fake phishing website mimicking a legitimate one, such as a restaurant’s website, where cybercriminals may try to charge a user’s credit card.

According to Konstantin Levinzon, co-founder of Planet VPN, such scams can lead not only to financial losses but also to compromised devices.

“Quishing is phishing–just in a different wrapper. A QR code can lower people’s guard because this technology became ubiquitous only during the pandemic, and the threat still isn’t as widely recognized. It also shifts the “risky click” from a visible link to a quick scan, making the danger easier to miss. Attackers are refining these tactics every year and constantly finding new ways to trick users,” he says.

According to Levinzon, one reason why cybercriminals may favour QR codes in emails instead of regular phishing emails is that QR codes often bypass anti-phishing and scam filters, because these often analyze only text and links, but don’t analyze images.

And even if anti-spam filters in emails are equipped with QR code detection, cybercriminals often find new ways to bypass them, for example, by making QR codes in different colors.

Cybersecurity researchers at Proofpoint estimate that during the first half of last year, there were 4,2 million QR code-related threats. However, Levinzon says that the number is likely higher because many QR code scams are undetected.

When it comes to protecting against the growing threat, users are advised to be more deliberate about when and why they scan a QR code. If after scanning a QR code, a person is forwarded to a website that asks for payment or log-in details, this is a real warning sign.

Meanwhile, if a QR code is sent from an unknown sender via email, Levinzon advises contacting the sender directly before entering login credentials or downloading files.

“We recommend applying the same logic everywhere: stay skeptical whether you receive a message from a coworker or on your personal social media account. However, vigilance is only part of the story. To maximize security, users also need basic safeguards – use a VPN on public Wi-Fi, install updates promptly, use strong passwords, and enable multi-factor authentication on all accounts,” he says.

 

 

CCPC – New research and guidance on tipping in Ireland

Consumer watchdog issues guidance for restaurants, cafes, hair salons and other service providers as new technologies change the landscape of tipping

New tipping research from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has revealed that:

  • 9 in 10 consumers tip at least some of the time
  • Women and over 35s are more likely to tip
  • 2 in 3 believe tipping is becoming less voluntary
  • 3 in 4 would like to see businesses make it easier to opt out of tipping
  • 1 in 5 have recently paid a bill that included an unexpected extra charge
  • 1 in 4 consumers who have encountered standalone tipping terminals have tapped them by mistake

New guidance

The CCPC has issued new guidance based on the research to help restaurant owners and other traders decide how best to collect tips with new technologies.

Published on the CCPC website and sent to industry bodies, the guidance states:

  1. Tipping on a payment terminal should be easy to avoid
  2. Prevent accidental tipping by keeping tipping terminals separate and clearly labelled
  3. Mandatory service charges must be very clearly communicated in advance
  4. Optional service charges must never be automatically added to a bill

Simon Barry, Director of Research, Advocacy and International at the CCPC said, 

“Newer technologies like payment screens and tipping terminals are changing the way we tip for services. It’s important that businesses using these technologies do so in a way that protects the consumer’s right to decide whether and how much to tip.

“Transparency is vital. Any mandatory service charges must be flagged well in advance, optional charges must never be automatically added to bills, and tipping terminals should be placed away from payment terminals to avoid any confusion.”

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) is the statutory body responsible for enforcing and promoting compliance with competition, consumer protection and product safety law, with new and expanding roles in digital and data regulation. We make markets work better for consumers and empower consumers to make informed choices. For more information, visit ccpc.ie

munchd’s 0% commission model to offer a major boost to local takeaways and restaurants

munchd, a new online food ordering platform built specifically to empower local restaurants and takeaways is set to shake up the food industry with its game-changing 0% commission model. Unlike competitors charging hefty commissions and transaction fees, munchd also boasts a minimal 1.4% transaction rate on orders, allowing restaurants and takeaways to increase their profits and thrive in an increasingly difficult economic landscape for the hospitality industry.

Developed by Dundalk based marketing agency, ZOMA, munchd operates with a transparent approach, in contrast to many traditional online ordering systems that often hit restaurants with crippling, and sometimes hidden, transaction fees. This model allows businesses to maximise their profits, and ultimately offer more competitive prices to their customers. munchd’s commitment to local businesses extends beyond its 0% commission model, as the platform allows the user to control all customer data, build brand loyalty, and promote their business all from one central hub.

Explaining the rationale behind developing munchd, David Kieran, ZOMA Managing Director said: “In the current economic climate, businesses across the hospitality industry are struggling to keep up with rising costs. With the array of ordering apps in the restaurant and takeaway sector, businesses offering delivery services have faced exorbitant commissions and escalating expenses. munchd aims to empower these businesses by reclaiming their earnings, fostering local economic growth, and ultimately lowering the prices consumers pay for delivered items.”

For food lovers, munchd offers a user-friendly experience when ordering food. The platform already hosts a diverse selection of local restaurants and takeaways; and online, users can browse menus, place secure orders, and then track their deliveries in real-time. Diners can either order at munchd.io or by visiting the business’ own website.

David Kieran continued “munchd is simple and easy to use, it gives takeaways and restaurants more control over their own profile; and has ultimately allow us to expand the offerings and value we bring to the end consumer.”

munchd’s first client, Vincent Del Duca, owner of Tony’s Pizzeria said: “munchd has had a massive effect on our profitability and business – it has been a game changer. Thanks to the 0% commission rate and munchd’s commitment to giving takeaways and restaurants back the money they are paying in huge commissions, the savings you make on that side of it alone can equate to a week’s wages for some employees.”

Founded in 2016, ZOMA specialises in cutting edge web design, content creation and digital marketing solutions; working across a range of industries including corporate, health and wellness, fashion, food and hospitality, tourism, sport and events, construction, property, agriculture, medical, and manufacturing. It is one of the leading Shopify partners and largest Wix partner in Ireland & UK; official Google Partner; Business All-Star accredited and recipient of the Business All-Star One to Watch Award; SFA member and recipient of the National Best Place to Work Award; and was named the 2023 Louth Overall Business of the Year at Louth Business Awards.

Restaurants and takeaways interested in joining munchd can register by visiting www.munchd.io/join.

How Technology Helps Restaurant Owners Manage Payments More Quickly

Technology impacts almost every aspect of our lives. It has been an important part of the hospitality industry for a long time. Today’s technological advancements are being used in restaurants around the world to great success. These advancements are helping restaurant owners to expand their businesses. Nowadays, creating a website for your restaurant is simple, even if you don’t have any experience building websites. With a restaurant website maker, you can easily create a professional-looking website that showcases your menu, hours, location, and more in just a few minutes.

This article will tell you how technology helps restaurant owners to manage payments more quickly:

Touchscreen POS Terminals

Implementing smart retail technology, such as touchscreen POS terminals, is highly efficient. They are used in most businesses nowadays. Touchscreen terminals are powered by POS software, like the micros restaurant system, which operate with an easy-to-use interface. POS software simplifies the order-taking process, so that staff can take orders at a quicker pace. Most POS systems also have customer-facing screens that allow customers to see their orders being placed in real-time.

Higher-end POS terminals also allow for payments to be made through a reader integrated with the terminal itself.

Pay at the Table

For several years now, businesses have encouraged the use of pay-at-table applications. These applications display a restaurant’s menu and allow customers to order directly from their phone, without having to communicate with staff.

Due to strict COVID-19 regulations introduced to the hospitality sector by governments from around the world, restaurants have made pay-at-table applications mandatory.

Pay-at-table applications give a restaurant’s guests the ability to order and pay for their meal without having to break social distancing guidelines and without having to come into contact with other people. This gives your staff and your guests peace of mind. It also allows your restaurant to run more efficiently. If you need some furniture you should check out what is on offer here for restaurants 

Some restaurants, like Yo! Sushi, for example, have used conveyor belts for many years. Now they use them in combination with pay-at-table applications to further reduce the chances of viral transmission taking place inside their restaurants. Guests order from their phones, and their meal is delivered by conveyor belt.

Contactless Payments

Contactless payment is very important to customers. It is fast, efficient, and easy. They don’t have to bother counting out notes or writing a check, and instead, can tap their card and get back to entertaining their guests.

Contactless also allows customers to avoid physical contact with people, which is very important in the wake of the pandemic.

The only downside to contactless payment machines is that there are often limits to how much people can spend. While this does stop fraud, it also makes them less helpful in preventing the spread of viruses.

Self-Order Kiosks

Self-order kiosks are very popular in large fast-food restaurants like Burger King and McDonald’s. They are also growing in popularity among smaller businesses. They allow guests to pay for their food without having to interact with other people. They also make it easier for guests to review a restaurant’s menu and customise their order.

If self-order kiosks are used correctly, then they can actually increase the amount of money that your customers spend. They can also reduce queue times and help your staff to manage orders more efficiently.

Because multiple people will use a self-order kiosk, it’s important that it is regularly disinfected and cleaned. You should also offer bottles of antibacterial hand gel at tables next to each kiosk.

KDS

KDS or kitchen display systems are another great technological addition to the hospitality sector. They do not process payments but are still very effective. In busy restaurants, screens are used to display orders. This helps kitchen staff to keep on track and get orders out to guests quickly.

They are typically mounted on the wall, which allows all kitchen staff to view open orders on a single screen. These screens display orders in real-time, so staff can begin putting meals together the minute that the order is placed.

Receipt and Kitchen Printers

After payment has been processed, most customers will expect to receive a receipt. A receipt will tell them what they have ordered and, in most cases, give them an order number. Receipt printers are used by the front-of-house staff. In busy restaurants, printers are very important.

Kitchen printers are used as an alternative to the above-mentioned kitchen display systems. They are less common nowadays but are still used in smaller restaurants. Kitchen printers print out orders as they come in. These receipts are then stuck to a board. The kitchen staff will begin preparing orders after the receipts have been stuck to the board.

Cash Drawer

While cash is used less and less, more so in the wake of the pandemic, cash drawers are still important. They are also vulnerable to theft. It’s important that you invest in the highest quality cash drawer that you can.

You can find high quality, modern cash drawers that utilise the latest technology to secure your money. You should make sure that you empty out your cash draw every night, keep it locked, and do not leave it unattended.

Food-Delivery Applications

With the first COVID-19 lockdown came a huge surge in the food-delivery industry. Restaurants that had never previously offered takeout began using applications like Just Eat, Uber Eats, and Deliveroo just to keep their doors open. Most businesses are still relying on food-delivery applications, even after lockdowns have finished. Food-delivery applications are now a must-have for all types of restaurants, especially since the government cannot rule out further lockdowns taking place.

Some restaurants have also designed their own native food-delivery applications. This gives customers the ability to order from a business without using a third-party application and having to pay the fees and costs associated with using these applications.

Prebooking Applications

Prebooking applications have existed for a long time. They allow customers to book tables from the comfort of their homes, without having to worry about walking in and not finding a table or battling through busy phone lines. Some of these applications also allow customers to order drinks and starters to be brought to them after they arrive. This allows them to relax upon arriving and gives them time to collect themselves before they begin looking through the menu and selecting main course meals.

Technology has allowed businesses to streamline their payments. As time goes on, more and more incredible technological innovations will be introduced into the hospitality sector. For restaurants, this is fantastic.

 

 

Just Eat to recruit 700 couriers as part of a wide-ranging package of supports for the restaurant sector #Restaurants #JustEat

Just Eat has announced that it is recruiting 700 additional couriers as the country enters a period of Level 5 restrictions. The new couriers will support the anticipated growth in online ordering in the period ahead, enabling restaurant owners across the country to deliver their food to more people, in more areas. The demand for couriers of late is on another level with thousands of jobs with the festive season approaching and big logistics firms already looking for hundreds of staff.

The investment in couriers is one of a package of measures developed to support the distressed restaurant sector and to help bring more food to more people throughout the country. Just Eat has also announced that this growing fleet will service expanded delivery areas in some key urban locations where independent restaurants have been most impacted by the latest set of restrictions.  In addition, all restaurants that sign up to the platform in the next 2 weeks will enjoy a period of waived commission for their first 30 days on the platform.

The investments announced today build on a series of supports worth €1 million delivered in immediate response to the health crisis over the summer months. The focus by Just Eat has been on helping the traditional, local independent restaurant that wouldn’t previously have offered a delivery service to get online. While not replacing their traditional business model and sit-in offering, it does allow them to stay connected to customers and maintains some proportion of revenue during the period of forced closure.

Focused on reducing costs for those most at risk within the sector, Just Eat continues to help its new and existing restaurant partner base to trade efficiently during these difficult times with real-time business intelligence data providing valuable insights on menu offerings, opening times and geographic range.

 

Commenting on the announcement Amanda Roche-Kelly, Just Eat Ireland Managing Director said; “2020 has been an incredibly challenging year for everyone, but few have been hit harder than our partners in the restaurant sector, with these latest restrictions bringing huge uncertainty and worry for so many local independent business owners right across Ireland. As the market leader in the food delivery sector, we are committed to supporting our partners in the sector through the crisis which is why we are launching this additional package of support measures.

“For those restaurants who haven’t previously offered a delivery option, or are new to the Just Eat platform, we’re delighted to be in a position to help them get online and remain trading while their sit-in or outdoor dining options remain closed. Through our investment in the recruitment of drivers we’re both expanding our delivery within those key urban areas most impacted, but also our capacity to service the growing demand from our customers – helping our restaurant partners to deliver their much loved food to more and more people during these hugely difficult times.”

Commenting specifically on the plan to recruit 700 couriers Ms Roche-Kelly said: “We are delighted to be in a position to build our courier network at a time when many people have had to temporarily or permanently leave their jobs. We anticipate increased demand during the lockdown period and want to ramp up in order to ensure that we capture all those orders on behalf of our restaurant partners. With the additional fleet we can service more restaurants in more areas – reaching more hungry consumers.

“Anyone who is keen to join the Just Eat courier network as an independent contractor is encouraged to apply at https://couriers.just-eat.ie/application. We look forward to hearing from them.” 

Effective immediately, Just Eat has also committed to an extension of the 14-day Courier Relief Payment for those who may become ill or need to self-isolate as a result of the virus. Equivalent to two-thirds of a courier’s average weekly earnings from the past 6 weeks, this Courier Relief Payment can be claimed weekly in addition to the COVID-19 illness benefit made available by the government for workers unable to make a living as a result of the virus.

Just Eat’s highest priority throughout this crisis is to protect the couriers it works with, its customers and restaurant partners. To date, Just Eat Takeaway.com has spent more than €30 million in support for restaurants worldwide and approximately €6 million in support for healthcare workers.  The company will continue to explore introducing further support measures in the future, ensuring that its delivery courier network remains open and fully operational.

For more information please visit https://www.justeattakeaway.com/.