There has been a lot of talk the past week about a new scam that a lot of people have been falling for. Unfortunately, there are numerous ways of which this scam can be ran and once to make the mistake, there could be very little you can do about it. Scammers are sending packages, letters, post cards with QR Codes on the inside and outside. There may be an enticement to scan the QR Code included. Unfortunately, what will happen is not something that you will be grateful for. With a simple scan of the code, you could be handing over a lot of your personal information that is stored on your phone and it will send it directly to the criminals who sent you the package. The package may even be addressed to you. There are a lot of ways in which a scammer can get your name and address from the Internet.
But this is not the only means of being hacked by scanning a QR Code. Before you scan a code, make certain you are not falling for one of the following:
- QR code scams on parking meters
- Fake QR codes sent in phishing emails
- Tampered QR codes in restaurants
- Fake QR codes sent through the mail
- QR codes on unexpected package deliveries
- QR codes at sham COVID-19 testing centers
- QR codes sent over social media
- Cryptocurrency QR code scams
- Fake QR code scanner apps that download malware
Look at the Code and if it is a sticker instead of an actual part of the printing on the paper or package, then you may not want to scan it. Any place where a fake code can be placed over the actual legit sticker. Look for stickers on top of stickers. Frankly, it is best to be a skeptic and simply do not scan a QR Code unless you are absolutely certain that hasn’t been tampered with or could be tampered with. I simply don’t scan the codes.
If you do scan a QR code and it takes you to a Website or Payment site, check the URL for the site you’re visiting. If it doesn’t start with https: then it’s not a secure site and likely a scam. If there is any indication that it could be fake, bad grammar, misspelled words, strange looking or foreign URLs, then stop and close the screen. Do not enter any information. Report the QR code immediately to the authorities.
