There is yet another potential scam to be on the lookout for - and it involves the pixelated squares known as QR Codes. These matrix barcodes were invented in the 1990's in Japan but have massively increased in popularity in recent years, with a significant boom attributed to COVID-19 sanitation precautions.
These square barcodes now appear in place of restaurant menus, allow access to payment portals, and can direct you to transportation schedules or additional info, all by simply opening your smartphone camera. However, as with any new technology, scammers have immediately found ways to capitalize on their widespread use for nefarious purposes. They impersonate genuine QR codes by printing illegitimate barcodes as stickers to cover over legitimate codes, fake fliers meant to look like familiar brands or organizations is another method commonly used.
Once you scan an imposter QR Code, your browser will take you to a phishing website. Phishing is "the fraudulent practice of sending emails purporting to be from reputable companies in order to induce individuals to reveal personal information, such as passwords and credit card numbers." This website will look legitimate but only exists to steal your personal or financial information. When you submit, the data goes directly into the hands of the scammers.
How to protect yourself?
- Be careful about which QR codes you scan - don't scan just anything. Even with legitimate QR codes you are sharing information when you utilize them, including your location, browser, and click activities.
- Check the spelling and punctuation on the website you arrive at. Many scammers are outside of the United States and may not utilize proper grammar (however, scammers have increasingly caught onto this recently and now frequently pay native speakers to reduce these errors.)
- Check the URL! One of the best ways to protect yourself is to check and make sure the URL is logical for where you think you should have been directed. It should also be https:// vs http://.
- Look for issues with graphics and layout - does everything appear in line with the organization you believe it to be?
Evidence Solutions wants to ensure your data remains secure. As technology advances, scammers find new ways to exploit vulnerabilities and hacking events become more elaborate and difficult to spot. It is up to you to stay educated, informed, and vigilant.
