Rise in QR Code Scams
QR (Quick Response) codes have grown in use since 2020, when businesses incorporated them during COVID-19 for contactless transactions. And since then there’s been an increase in QR code security threats and scams.
Scanning a QR code could open a URL and identity criminals can embed malicious software into the digital barcode. Scammers hide harmful links in fake QR codes to steal personal information. Scammers send QR codes by text asking you to confirm account information or contact them about a delivery by clicking through the harmful link.
Be a QR Code Skeptic:
- Only scan codes from a trusted source that you’re familiar with.
- Don’t scan a QR code that looks like it was physically pasted on top of another one.
- Look for things that might seem unusual – like asking for logins, passwords or payment information.
- Do not scan from an email or text you were not expecting until you confirm it’s legitimate.
–Tidelines Editors
(Content credit: Equifax)
(Image credit: ED Times)