ORLANDO, Fla. – Quick response codes, better known as QR codes, are a fast and simple way to access information, pay for parking, or view restaurant menus.
However, their convenience can sometimes come at a price. Scammers are increasingly using QR codes to trick people into giving up sensitive information or installing malware.
Rob Allen, the Chief Product Officer for cybersecurity firm ThreatLocker, said QR codes are being misused in many ways.
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“Public places are an obvious and easy place for people to target,” Allen explained.
Scammers often replace legitimate QR codes with their own, which can redirect users to fake websites that look authentic.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued a warning about scammers hiding harmful links in QR codes.
According to the FTC, these spoofed websites can steal any information you enter, such as login credentials or payment details.
In some cases, scanning a malicious QR code could also install malware onto your device without your knowledge.
There have been reports of bad guys replacing QR codes on parking meters.
Once scanned, these fraudulent codes can take you to a fake website or compromise your device.
“I would say anything you see in a public place, whether it be a restaurant or paying for parking or anything like that, I would just assume don’t use it,” Allen said.
If you decide to scan a QR code, inspect the website carefully.
Look for misspellings, poor grammar, or anything else that seems off.
These are often red flags that indicate the site may not be legitimate.
The FTC also urges people to avoid scanning QR codes in emails or text messages they weren’t expecting, especially if they pressure you to act quickly.
Scammers often use a sense of urgency to trick people into clicking links without thinking.
To stay safe, update your phone’s operating system regularly and protect your accounts with strong passwords and multi-factor authentication.
These steps can help minimize the risk of your information being stolen if you accidentally scan a malicious QR code.
Remember, don’t fall for the scheme. Don’t get ripped off, but If you do become a victim of a QR code scam, you can report it by emailing me at lbolden@wkmg.com.
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