QR codes are quickly becoming a part of our daily lives, whether we’re scanning them to view restaurant menus, to pay for parking or to perform other everyday activities. While they offer convenience, QR codes also come with a level of risk. In order to mitigate this, it’s important to understand the ways scammers can use QR codes to steal your personal information.
In Public Spaces
A scammer places a sticker over an existing QR code, such as at a pay-to-park station. This new QR code can take you to a spoofed payment site in order to record the card information you enter.
In Emails or Text Messages
Scammers may send QR codes through text messages or emails, making up reasons to get you to scan them. Some examples include:
- Claiming they couldn’t deliver your package and need you to reschedule
- Pretending there’s an issue with your account and asking you to confirm your information
- Saying they noticed suspicious activity on your account and urging you to change your password
A scammer’s QR code could lead you to a website that looks real but isn’t. If you log in on this spoofed site, the scammers could steal any information you enter. Scanning the QR code could also install malware that secretly steals your data.
So, how can you protect yourself?
- Inspect the URL: If you encounter a QR code in an unexpected place, carefully check the URL. If it looks familiar, double-check for any subtle misspellings or swapped letters that could indicate it’s fake.
- Be cautious with unsolicited QR codes: Avoid scanning QR codes in emails or text messages you didn’t expect, especially if they pressure you to act immediately. If you think the message might be legitimate, contact the company directly using a known phone number or website.
- Secure your devices and accounts: Keep your phone’s operating system updated to defend against hackers, and protect your online accounts with strong passwords and multi-factor authentication.
- Don’t download apps from QR codes: QR scammers often trick users into downloading fake apps that contain malware, which can compromise your privacy, steal sensitive information, or even damage your device. To protect yourself, always download apps from official app stores. These platforms thoroughly review and verify each app to ensure they are safe for users.
At FPCCFCU, we use QR codes in several ways as a convenience to members, but it’s important to remember they will always be accompanied by our name and logo, or in one of our branches. By staying cautious and taking a few simple precautions, you can better protect yourself from these scams.