A Free Public Service

SCAMS BULLETIN Host Jay White is an inactive attorney in San Mateo County, California.

April 27, 2021

BAR CODE QR SCAMS

Courtesy scambusters.org

QR codes, “Quick Response”, are black-and white rectangular boxes full of dots and squiggles.

They are now being used by crooks to trick more victims into giving away confidential information or downloading malware. Security is a major concern.

Experts say one of the main reasons for the current surge is the change in our social behavior because of the current health crisis. More businesses are using them in place of printed matter, like brochures, because that means consumers don’t have to touch them.

One study revealed that many people lack security on their mobile devices and are largely unaware of the security risks posed by QR codes.

For example, they can be used to reveal your location, follow social media accounts, create an email, restaurant menus, join a Wi-Fi network or even to cast a vote.

If you don’t follow precautions and you don’t have security software, you could experience a costly scam the next time you scan.

FIVE SECURITY KEY STEPS

*Don’t scan codes that don’t have any text or explanation with them.

*Check for a raised edge on the code showing it’s a sticker. Again, don’t scan unless you check with someone — for example at a restaurant that may have updated its menu.

*If the code takes you to a website, don’t provide any confidential information until you know for sure it’s genuine.

*If scanning results in something you didn’t expect, like opening an email, don’t use it.

*Use a secure QR code reader that checks its validity. There are lots of free ones. Simply search for “secure QR code scanner” or something similar.

ATTRIBUTION: scambusters.org