You may not be familiar with the term QR code but you’ve probably seen them everywhere. These square-shaped icons full of smaller blocks have become a quick and convenient way for restaurants to link to their online menus, at cash registers to make payments, and even on business cards that can link to their website. Consumers don’t even think twice nowadays before scanning a QR code with their phones. As with most technology, scammers will take advantage of consumer trust for their own gains.
Some common tricks involve printing a fake QR code that links to phishing websites or directs the device to automatically download malware from a website. A newer version of this tactic has fake QR codes printed on sticks and attached to parking meters. The consumer scans the QR code to pay for parking but their funds are transferred directly to the scammer. When they come back, their car may have been ticketed or even towed, further compounding the expense.
Another version of this tactic involves a utility imposter. They’ll claim that you need to make payment immediately to avoid a cut-off. Their payment system is down, though, so they send you a QR code. Once you pay, the money is transferred and can’t be traced back.
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