Identity Thieves Are Using QR Codes As Their Newest Point of Entry

The use of QR codes by fraudsters to get personal data is growing. 

The Federal Trade Commission reports that an increasing number of con artists are using their codes on pre-existing ones, such as restaurant menus, parking meters, and athletic events.

Certain fraudsters have even gone so far as to send a potential victim a QR code via SMS, feigning to be unable to deliver an item until the recipient scans the code.

Scammers will grab personal information after scanning it.

Due to their simplicity of use, adaptability, and mobile friendliness, QR codes have become widely used. 

One of the numerous reasons they are being utilized for fraud is their increased popularity and dependence by consumers and enterprises.

Numerous pieces of information, such as product descriptions and URLs, can be stored in these scannable patterns. 

After being scanned by a QR scanner, the data is decoded from its encoded patterns and shown on the user's device.

Be careful of QR code scams

In light of this, the FTC stressed how crucial it will be for customers to take the appropriate precautions to ensure they don't fall for these growing QR code frauds. 

Someone ought to inspect the URL, for instance, if they see the QR code featured elsewhere they didn't anticipate. 

They should refrain from inputting any of their personal information if it has any grammar mistakes.

Read more: What the Leave the World Behind Map's QR Code Takes You To?