Cybersecurity Alert for the Holiday Season: QR Code Phishing Scams

QR code usage has increased by 57% worldwide as a result of the proliferation of smartphones, and it is expected to rise by an additional 22% by 2025. In addition, up to 8 new QR codes are created every minute throughout the world.

However, the widespread use of QR codes provides cyber criminals with a wealth of "quishing" (QR code phishing) opportunities. 

To trick people into visiting dangerous websites, scammers install fake QR codes in crowded physical and online public spaces, as well as incorporate them in phishing emails and fraudulent social media websites. 

They'll also create email addresses, URLs, and websites that impersonate legitimate organizations, particularly those that sell popular items over the holidays, to scam customers into entering payment information.

Be careful of QR code phishing scams during the holiday season

When it comes to QR codes, the holiday season is an exceptionally profitable time for scammers.

They use ingenious QR codes to mislead and attract unwary victims with alluring, joyous, and festive schemes, capitalizing on customers' eagerness to get those irresistible discounts. 

For this reason, individuals should pause to observe the QR code before scanning it instinctively.

See more: Ballot-image Audit Confirms QR Codes' Accuracy