QR codes are everywhere, from restaurant menus and parking payments to online promotions and postal deliveries. Convenient and easy to use, they’ve become a staple in our daily lives. However, their rising popularity has also caught the attention of cybercriminals.
Welcome to the world of QR code scams – the latest trend in cyber-fraud.
How do QR code scams work?
At first glance, a QR code may seem harmless. But behind that black-and-white grid, a malicious link could be waiting to steal your personal information or money. QR code scams work by tricking people into scanning codes that lead to fraudulent websites, initiate unwanted downloads or even capture sensitive data like banking details.
For instance, a scammer might replace a legitimate QR code with their own, redirecting unsuspecting users to a fake website. From there, victims could be prompted to enter payment details, download malware or provide personal information.
Types of QR code scam
QR codes are prevalent across many industries, but cybercriminals are particularly targeting the following areas:
1. Car parks
Scammers tamper with QR codes on car park payment signs, replacing the official code with one that directs users to a fraudulent payment site. Once you enter your card details, the scammers gain access to your money.
2. Restaurants
In restaurants, QR codes are often used to access menus or make payments. Fraudsters can stick fake codes over the originals, leading customers to bogus sites where their financial information can be stolen.
3. Post
Fake QR codes are sometimes included in text messages or delivery notifications, claiming to help track a package. Scanning the code could download malware or direct you to phishing websites that request personal information. Letters and parcels may also contain fake codes that lead to dangerous sites.
4. Social media
QR codes in fake competitions or social media promotions can lure users into providing sensitive data or making payments in the hope of winning a prize.
What are the risks?
QR code scams pose significant risks for both individuals and organisations. For consumers, the threats include financial loss, identity theft and compromised devices. Once your personal data is in the wrong hands, the consequences can be far-reaching.
For businesses, the stakes are equally high. If scammers target your brand – for example, by placing fake QR codes on your premises or digital materials – it could damage your reputation and erode customer trust. Moreover, businesses may face legal or regulatory consequences if they’re deemed negligent in protecting customers.
How organisations can protect themselves (and their customers)
While the risks are real, organisations can take proactive steps to safeguard themselves and their customers from QR code scams. Here’s how:
1. Secure your QR codes
Make sure QR codes in your physical locations are printed on tamper-proof materials. Regularly inspect them to ensure they haven’t been altered.
If a fraudulent code is discovered, act swiftly to remove it and inform affected customers.
2. Invest in cybersecurity training
Strengthen your organisation’s cybersecurity measures to detect and prevent fraud attempts. This includes training staff to recognise signs of QR code tampering and suspicious activity.
3. Use verified QR code generator
Generate QR codes using reputable platforms to minimise the risk of vulnerabilities.
4. Educate customers
Raise awareness about the potential dangers of QR code scams. Use signage or online content to advise customers to verify URLs after scanning and avoid entering sensitive information unless they’re certain of the source.
Stay vigilant
QR codes are an integral part of modern life, so it’s crucial to stay vigilant against the growing threat of scams. Whether you’re a business or a consumer, taking simple precautions can go a long way towards protecting against cyber-fraud.
By understanding how these scams work and implementing protective measures, we can all continue to enjoy the convenience of QR codes without falling victim to scams.
Stay safe and scan smart.
