What's in a Code?
We‘ve all seen QR codes appear in ads, products, and even television commercials. They are so prevalent that we even scan them to view a restaurant’s menu, but are they safe? It turns out scammers can and do use QR codes to conduct scams. How? Let’s dive in.
If you have ever ordered anything off Amazon (and who hasn’t?), you know that you will often receive a postcard in the package or by mail shortly after with an offer to save on a future order. Variations abound, but whatever the offer, it is frequently obtained by scanning the QR code included. Now, this might be totally legitimate, but given the number of untrustworthy folks on the internet and the multitude of sellers on Amazon, it’s not a stretch to think that at least some of these interactions might be fraudulent.
Of course, this isn’t the only way a scammer might try to snag a victim. Fraudsters are not above tampering with a real QR code, either. Look carefully for signs that a physical document with a QR code hasn’t been altered. It is all too easy to stick a fake code over top of a real one.
Whichever method is used to deploy the phony codes, one thing is certain: at least some of them come with an unexpected side effect – malware or ransomware.
So, with QR codes everywhere, how can you help protect yourself from becoming a victim?
Listen to your gut. If it looks too good to be true, it probably is. If you have that nagging sense of something just not being right, it is best to consider that and avoid scanning the code.
Never scan unexpected codes. Did you receive a random offer from a random seller online? Yeah….don’t scan that.
Trust the source. A mailer from a legitimate company you have a relationship with is likely safe, but never scan material from an unknown source.
Scan with a reputable app. Most new phones will automatically use their camera as a QR scanner, but if you prefer not to use that, you have to do some legwork before installing one. Check the reviews and make sure the app is verified and safe.
Preview the link. Legitimate codes might be shortened, but that can also indicate potential scams.
What did you have to add to this Blog post? Leave a comment below. You can also email me directly!
Krista Kyte is a personal finance blogger and personal banker with over 22 years of experience in the financial industry. Krista is passionate about helping our members understand their financial situations. She writes tips that help consumers reach and maintain financial security and start living the life they've always wanted.
