Rise in QR Code Scams

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Identity Theft Resource Center – Date: 01/03/2024
Trending Cases – Rise in QR Code Scams

QR Code Scams Grow as Digital Barcode Popularity Rises

“Quick Response Codes, or QR codes, grew in popularity during COVID-19. Identity criminals have found ways to attack consumers with the digital barcodes. – – Now, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is warning people in the United States about possible harmful links in QR codes that can steal your personal information. – – 83 percent of those surveyed said they used a QR code for a financial transaction in the past three months but were unaware of the risks. Only 47 percent knew scanning a QR code could open a URL, and 37 percent knew it could download an application. Identity criminals can exploit people’s trust in QR codes by embedding malicious software into the digital barcodes. – – There is one thing consumers can do to protect themselves from QR code scams: be skeptical.”

For more information, contact the Identity Theft Resource Center toll-free at 888.400.5530 or visit idtheftcenter.org to get started.

“Scanning a malicious or fake QR code can lead to financial losses, your device getting hacked, or even identity theft.”

How To Spot a Fake QR Code Scam [9 New Examples]

Amazing Truths Revealed: Link to Simply Magnificent AskWoody Knowledge Bases

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Sky, Charlie, Myst, TechTango, Nibbled To Death By Ducks, Fred

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Frankly, I think the best way to avoid QR code scams is to simply not use them at all.

Win7 Pro SP1 64-bit, Dell Latitude E6330 ("The Tank"), Intel CORE i5 "Ivy Bridge", 12GB RAM, Group "0Patch", Multiple Air-Gapped backup drives in different locations. Linux Mint Newbie
--
"The more kinks you put in the plumbing, the easier it is to stop up the pipes." -Scotty

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Lars220, Sky, Charlie, Myst, samak

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I avoid them entirely. I don’t understand what they may send to my device over and above what they claim.

Windows 10 Home 22H2, Acer Aspire TC-1660 desktop + LibreOffice, non-techie

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Nibbled To Death By Ducks, Lars220

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Just received a libzbar0 (0.23.92-7) to 0.23.92-7+deb12u1 update on debian, that fixes two QR code vulnerabilities which may result in denial of service, information disclosure or potentially the execution of arbitrary code if a crafted code is triggered.

CVE-2023-40889 and CVE-2023-40890
https://lists.debian.org/debian-security-announce/2024/msg00021.html

Neither of us use them on PC’s nor mobile phones, just another marketing lazyware gimmick IMO

Windows - commercial by definition and now function...

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Nibbled To Death By Ducks, Myst

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I’m surprised that it took the criminals this long to figure that out. I’ve always worried that some QR code stuck to a tree in the background of a photo I’m taking would trigger some action I don’t want. (I’ve never figured out how to use them on my phone, and I certainly don’t want to start.)

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The United States of America Social Security Matters Blog is also getting into the act about warning about QR code scams. A short read and reminder for us to have drilled repetitively into our minds so that we can learn to be careful with these QR code items.
Last Updated: February 22, 2024

Protecting Yourself from QR Code Fraud

“There are many legitimate and helpful uses for QR codes, from paying for parking to viewing a restaurant menu. But since scammers often use QR codes to carry out their schemes, it’s important for you to learn how to spot a fake!”

For even more information, here are two worthwhile links:

Better Business Bureau
BBB Scam Alert: Fraudulent QR codes continue to be used in a variety of scams

Social Security Frauds & Scams Topics webpage

If I get enough reminders then maybe I can learn something !?!  YMMV  🙂

Amazing Truths Revealed: Link to Simply Magnificent AskWoody Knowledge Bases

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SueW, Nibbled To Death By Ducks

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” it’s important for you to learn how to spot a fake!”

It’s so important that I advise everyone not to use the blasted things at all.

(But, I expect little, if any of it, to sink in; most of them just look at me with a blank stare. A friend was on a jury once where “A” testified that “X” didn’t commit the crime. “B” added that “X” didn’t look like the man.  So did four others. The jury verdict? “X” had committed the crime! …Never underestimate the thickness of the human skull. Hence all the warnings, over and over.)

Win7 Pro SP1 64-bit, Dell Latitude E6330 ("The Tank"), Intel CORE i5 "Ivy Bridge", 12GB RAM, Group "0Patch", Multiple Air-Gapped backup drives in different locations. Linux Mint Newbie
--
"The more kinks you put in the plumbing, the easier it is to stop up the pipes." -Scotty

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Lars220 wrote:

How To Spot a Fake QR Code Scam [9 New Examples]

Preview the URL before following the QR code:
Your phone will tell you the destination to which a QR code is trying to send you. Check the URL to see if it seems safe …
If the URL is shortened and unreadable, you’ll want to be extra cautious.

I.E.: QR codes should be no more dangerous than any other links.

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Alex5723

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