How to Stop QR code scams: Scams That Are Hard To Spot But Easy To Stop

How To Stop QR Code Scams:-  Scams That Are Hard To Stop But Easy To Stop...

Although QR codes have been available for a while, their use grew as the COVID-19 outbreak got worse. For instance, seeing a restaurant's menu was made safer by the square, monochrome visuals. They can view it on their phones rather than holding it in their hands.

However, a few frauds also surfaced along with the resurging popularity. The integrated links can be followed without a QR code app, but scammers nevertheless released phoney QR code apps.

Now, con artists are embedding dangerous QR codes in establishments around the nation and disseminating them to unwary victims in different ways. Continue reading to learn more about these cunning scams and how to prevent them.

This is the history.

An old-fashioned sort of barcode is a QR code, or Quick Response code. The optical label retains information such as the URL of a website, a link to an app, or contact details using random patterns.

They operate by having your phone's camera scan the QR code, at which point a link and a brief description appear. However, before you press on the URL, you typically have no idea where it is leading you.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) issues a warning about fraudulent usage of harmful QR codes in the United States. According to BBB, "phishing websites, phoney payment portals, and downloads that infect devices with viruses or malware" are all accessible through malicious QR codes.

Following are some current QR code Scams:

• Parking metre payments - False QR codes are frequently printed on parking metres' backs, leading unsuspecting users to believe that they can use them to pay for parking if they don't have any change. In the event that it's a fake QR code, you are not paying for parking at all. Instead, you'll be paying con artists, and when you get back, your car might be towed.
• Bitcoin wallets and dating Scams - Scammers spend months courting their victims before requesting money through a cryptocurrency exchange or offering financial advice regarding cryptocurrency investments. The victim scans a QR code and sends the desired amount to the scammer's digital wallet because they think the scammer is in need or is acting in their best interests.
• Phishing scams: Fraudsters use malicious QR codes to direct victims to phishing websites or harmful downloads that corrupt devices.
• Utility fraudsters and sham officials - Many victims claim they receive a call from their utility provider, the Social Security Administration, or the IRS about an unpaid debt they must pay off completely right away. According to the representative, failure to pay the outstanding payment will lead to an arrest, further fines, or the loss of access to water, gas, or electricity. The standard payment channel for these services is presently unavailable, claims the con artist. However, the victim has another payment option that they may simply access by scanning a QR code. The code directs you to a fake website that will defraud you.

How to use your phone to scan QR codes

Remember that you may scan QR codes without a separate app. The camera on your phone can do it automatically. However, your phone might need to have QR code scanning enabled. How? Read on.

For Apple iPhone:

• Select Settings.
• Tap Camera after swiping down.
• Scan QR Codes is the next-to-last setting in the first block. If the tool is not currently enabled, move the slider to the right to do so. If enabled, it will be green.

For Android Phone 

• your Android phone's camera should be opened.
• Click the Settings gear.
• Select More options.
• Turn on Google Lens recommendations.

Samsung mobile phones:

• To access your Quick Settings, swipe down on your device and select QR Scanner.
• To move on to the following stage, tap OK.
• You may read QR codes with the Camera app, which will soon be available. You ought to be able to access the below-listed webpage after scanning the QR Code.
• If the QR Code is unable to be scanned, you might need to enable this setting. Click the icon button for Camera Settings.
• Turn on the QR code scanner.

You should be able to open your phone's camera and point at a QR code to receive the link now that QR code scanning has been enabled. It is that simple.

How to avoid QR code Scams..

The BBB offers the following tips to stay clear of QR code fraud:

• Confirm QR code before scanning - If you receive a QR code by text or social media from a friend, make careful to check with them to make sure they meant to send it to you and that they were not hacked.

• Never click on links from strangers-  And if a stranger sends you an unsolicited message with a QR code, don't scan it! Even more so if the message demands immediate action and includes intriguing presents or investment opportunities. Scammers frequently utilise this terminology and rely on their victims to act quickly without taking the time to confirm its validity.

• Avoid clicking on quick links- A shortened URL could show when you move your camera over a QR code, so be aware of these. If it does, there is no way to predict where clicking it will take you. Before clicking on any short links, make sure the QR code is authentic. Otherwise, you might end up on a malicious website. Pro tip: Once on the website, check the URL to make sure the domain and subdomain are appropriate for the company running it. To make websites look official, scammers frequently change the domain and subdomains for the URLs or slightly misspell one word.
• Verify for tampering - Some thieves try to trick you by changing genuine business advertisements or sticking stickers on QR codes. Watch out for indications of tampering, and if any are found, ask the company to confirm the validity of the posted QR code. The majority of businesses use laminate or glass to permanently display scannable QR codes in their buildings. Sometimes, usually in the middle of the code, they will include its logo.

Report a QR scam that you've fallen for at BBB.org/ScamTracker. Giving out information might stop others from becoming victims.

We’re on a mission to help serious entrepreneurs grow without the chaos