QR or “Quick Response” codes are not new. They have been around for a few years and have many legitimate uses. Restaurants, merchandise stores, or inside Product packaging often use QR codes. In this article, we will discuss how QR codes work. What you should do if someone texts or e-mails you a QR code and how to protect yourself from QR code scams.
Beware, there is a dark side, and this problem is growing at an alarming rate. So much so the FBI has issued a QR code warning for QR Code Scams in the USA.
How do QR code scams work?
QR codes are everywhere nowadays, but a QR code on a flyer might not be safe to scan. The criminals are being very low-tech in their delivery of these scams. Most often, criminals can place stickers with malicious QR codes on top of the real ones.
Once you scan, these malicious QR codes will take you to a nefarious website. Cruelly designed websites often will look like real ones. These fake websites could be a bank’s website that might look like yours and present you with a login page or demand you pay counterfeit fines.
Either way, the worst thing you can do is log into these sites. They will ask you for your login or personal information. If you pay through a scam QR code, it takes work to get those funds back. If at all, as most scammers use offshore accounts.
Some cities now provide information about their parking meters, warning consumers of these fake QR codes and adding that their cities do not use QR codes on their apps or street machines. A little research before leaving your town could save you a few headaches.
What If Someone Texts Or E-Mails You A QR code?
Friends or contacts may send you QR codes. These may not be legit. Spammers can impersonate your contacts. First, confirm with them directly that they sent it to you and ask what it was for.
Somebody could infect your friend’s computer or device with malware. Check the URL before you go to that site. Often, you can spot a fake address. It only takes a moment to look. If the code doesn’t look like it fits with the background, don’t scan it. Electronically sent Scam QR codes are called “quishing.”
With so many of us storing our entire lives on these devices, it is vital to remain vigilant and careful about where and how you use your device.
QR code scams. What can you do to protect yourself?
Security is also critical for mobiles; there are mobile phone scanners that can help protect you against spyware and ransomware. Keeping your devices up to date is also vital.
You will often find that you don’t need a QR Code app. The reason is that modern phones can read QR codes by themselves for a few years now.
To help protect yourself, remember these quick tips.
- Do not scan a randomly found QR code.
- Be suspicious if the site asks for a password or login info after scanning a QR code.
- Only scan QR codes received in e-mails if you know they are legitimate. Contact the sender to confirm.
- Some scammers are physically pasting bogus codes over legitimate ones. Suppose it looks as though a QR code has been tampered with. Even at your local bar or restaurant, please don’t use it. The same applies to legitimate ads you pick up or get in the mail.
Finally, consider using antivirus software that offers QR readers added security to check a code’s safety before opening the link. You should report the incident if you are the victim of any other online fraud.
Conclusion
QR codes are nifty, no doubt. But as we embrace the convenience, let’s also be cautious. Next time you’re about to scan, take a pause. A second of caution can save a ton of trouble. And hey, share this info with your pals. Let’s look out for each other in this techy world!
There you go! A crash course in QR code scams. Happy (and safe) scanning!