The Rise of QR Code Scams
QR codes are everywhere these days. From restaurant tables to Super Bowl ads, their uses have exploded since the pandemic began. Unfortunately, cybercriminals have also taken advantage of this boom. The FBI has warned that hackers now create malicious QR codes designed to trick unsuspecting scanners into revealing banking or login information. In early January, residents and tourists in Austin, TX encountered this firsthand when malicious QR code stickers were placed on parking meters. These codes promised an easy way to pay for parking online. Cyber experts have determined that scanning these suspicious codes won’t directly affect your phone by downloading malware. Instead, they lead to sites designed to steal your financial or personal information.
How to Spot QR Code Scams
- Think Before You Scan Be cautious with QR codes in public places. Does the sticker seem like part of an advertisement, sign, or display? If it looks out of place, it probably is. If the scanned website seems suspicious or asks for sensitive information that doesn’t seem relevant, avoid providing it.
- Avoid Scanning Codes in Unsolicited Mail There’s rarely a legitimate reason for a trusted sender to require a second device to access a site from an email. This also applies to paper mail—if you receive a piece of unsolicited junk mail with a QR code, assume it’s not safe.
- Preview the URL Many smartphone cameras now allow you to preview the URL when scanning a code. If the URL looks strange, trust your gut and don’t proceed. You can also use a secure scanner app to help spot malicious links before your phone opens them.
- Use a Password Manager If a QR code leads to a convincing but fake website where you have an account, a password manager will still detect the difference and prevent your passwords from being autofilled.
Stay Safe Online
If you’re interested in learning more about online safety and how to avoid and recover from phishing scams, feel free to reach out to us at info@OptfinITy.com.
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