◾ Do not scan a code if it is on a sticker, looks like it has been replaced, or is covered up. You don't want to get into a situation where you end up forwarding the SMS one-time security code to the fraudster. Use your phone's app store for a safer download." Experts warn that the malicious app could potentially record the consumer logging into their banking app, triggering financial havoc. The FBI warned: "Do not download an app from a QR code. The FBI issued an alert early last year that noted that cybercriminals can leverage the stolen financial information to withdraw money from victim accounts. How do you know if the QR code is real or fake? If the information looks odd or anything seems suspicious, disengage. You'd want to disconnect if you scanned the code and then were asked to provide financial information or are threatened in some way. Then, scammers are able to compose and send messages to your contacts using your email or social media accounts. Or the codes can be programmed to open financial apps on your smartphone – or social media accounts and email accounts. QR codes are not picked up by security software, unlike attachments and links.Īnd troublemaking codes can be used to download malicious software such as malware, ransomware, and trojans. "These viruses can spy on you, steal sensitive information or files (like photos or videos), or even encrypt your device until you pay a ransom," according to the Michigan attorney general's alert. Nessel noted that QR codes also can be used in phishing emails. The problem? Whatever information you give on this site will go directly to scammers. The danger lurks when malicious QR codes take you to a “phishing website.” Scammers create sites that look convincing and ask for personal information. SOS! Here's how to set your phone's emergency settings and why it may be a life-saver How do I authenticate a QR code? In some parking scams, the consumer pays through the fake code but ends up with a parking ticket or even being towed for nonpayment − which only adds to the misery and money lost to such scams. In that case, the scam started with a $1 fee being charged and then the huge monthly fee cropped up later. One victim was misled to a site that ended up charging $49.99 a month for some subscription service. The consumer later discovered that $39.95 was being charged to her credit card each month for an entertainment website, including music and videos, according to Kelly Johnston, public relations and marketing manager for the Better Business Bureau Serving Eastern Michigan.Ĭonsumers in other states have complained about similar parking-related scams to the BBB. The fake QR codes can also be stuck onto the back of parking meters.Ī consumer in Grand Haven, Michigan, for example, saw a cardboard sign to "pay for parking" at the start of a hiking trail, according to a report filed with the BBB in May.īut it turned out to be a scam. One trick that seems to have worked in several cities: Scammers put up stickers with fake QR codes at some parking lots, which end up taking drivers to websites that asked them to enter their credit card or bank account information. "Con artists can easily create a QR code for free online, which they then print on stickers and either cover up an actual QR code or place where it makes logical sense," according to a Better Business Bureau alert last year. Criminals can disguise their motives and abuse the technology.Ĭon artists can, and do apparently, slap a sticker of their own barcode on top of a legitimate QR code, so you want to look for odd stickers or other signs of tampering. Like that sign at the pizza place, you're not able to see where clicking on the square will take you. QR – or "quick response" – codes are a bit like a shortened URL when it comes to fraud. The fake QR codes can be physical, such as something posted on a sign or fake postcard, or digital, such as ones sent via email. We're aware of the mayhem that can be caused if we click on malicious links sent through emails or texts, which can enable scam artists to steal personal information or get you to download malware onto your smartphone. But we're likely to be less on guard when it comes to QR code scams. Even so, the crooks are cleverly using these digitally readable squares as a way to cause big trouble.
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