SCARS Institute’s Encyclopedia of Scams™ Published Continuously for 25 Years
QR Code Scams: What Are They, How to Avoid Them and What to Do If You Fall Victim
QR codes have become increasingly popular in recent years, as they offer a convenient and contactless way to access information and make payments. However, this popularity has also made them a target for scammers.
QR code scams can take many different forms, but they all share one common goal: to steal your personal or financial information.
Here are some of the most common types of QR code scams:
- Phishing scams: Scammers will create a fake QR code that looks like it leads to a legitimate website, but when you scan it, it will actually take you to a phishing website that looks like the real website. Once you enter your personal or financial information on the phishing website, the scammers will steal it.
- Malware scams: Scammers will create a QR code that, when scanned, will download malware onto your device. This malware can then steal your personal or financial information, or it can be used to control your device remotely.
- Payment scams: Scammers will create a QR code that, when scanned, will take you to a payment page that looks like it belongs to a legitimate merchant. However, when you enter your payment information on the page, the scammers will steal it.
QR Code Phishing Scams
QR code phishing scams are a type of phishing attack that uses QR codes to lure victims into revealing sensitive information. Scammers create malicious QR codes that look like they lead to a legitimate website, but when you scan them, they will actually take you to a phishing website that looks like the real website. Once you enter your personal or financial information on the phishing website, the scammers will steal it.
Here are some examples of QR code phishing scams:
- Scammers may create a QR code that looks like it leads to a legitimate login page for a bank or other financial institution. When you scan the QR code, it will actually take you to a fake login page that looks like the real one. If you enter your login credentials on the fake page, the scammers will steal them.
- Scammers may create a QR code that looks like it leads to a legitimate coupon or discount code. When you scan the QR code, it will actually take you to a fake website that asks for your personal information, such as your name, email address, and credit card number. The scammers will then use this information to steal your identity or make fraudulent charges on your credit card.
- Scammers may create a QR code that looks like it leads to a legitimate news article or blog post. When you scan the QR code, it will actually take you to a fake website that contains malware. The malware can then steal your personal or financial information, or it can be used to control your device remotely.
QR Code Malware Scams
QR code malware scams are a type of scam that uses QR codes to deliver malware to unsuspecting victims. Scammers create malicious QR codes that look like they lead to a legitimate website, but when you scan them, they will actually download malware onto your device. This malware can then steal your personal or financial information, or it can be used to control your device remotely.
Here are some examples of QR code malware scams:
- Scammers may create a QR code that looks like it leads to a legitimate app store. When you scan the QR code, it will actually download a malicious app onto your device. The app can then steal your personal or financial information, or it can be used to control your device remotely.
- Scammers may create a QR code that looks like it leads to a legitimate news article or blog post. When you scan the QR code, it will actually download a malicious file onto your device. The file can then be used to steal your personal or financial information, or it can be used to install malware on your device.
- Scammers may create a QR code that looks like it leads to a legitimate payment page. When you scan the QR code, it will actually take you to a fake payment page that looks like the real one. If you enter your payment information on the fake page, the scammers will steal it.
QR Code Payment Scams
QR code payment scams are a type of scam that uses QR codes to steal your payment information. Scammers create malicious QR codes that look like they lead to a legitimate payment page, but when you scan them, they will actually take you to a fake payment page that looks like the real one. If you enter your payment information on the fake page, the scammers will steal it.
Here are some examples of QR code payment scams:
- Scammers may create a QR code that looks like it leads to a legitimate payment page for a merchant you’re familiar with. When you scan the QR code, it will actually take you to a fake payment page that looks like the real one. If you enter your payment information on the fake page, the scammers will steal it.
- Scammers may create a QR code that looks like it leads to a legitimate app store. When you scan the QR code, it will actually download a malicious app onto your device. The app can then steal your payment information when you use it to make payments.
- Scammers may create a QR code that looks like it leads to a legitimate news article or blog post. When you scan the QR code, it will actually take you to a fake payment page that looks like the real one. If you enter your payment information on the fake page, the scammers will steal it.
How to Avoid QR Code Scams
There are a few things you can do to avoid falling victim to a QR code scam:
- Be suspicious of QR codes that you receive from unknown sources. If you receive a QR code in a text message, email, or social media message from someone you don’t know, don’t scan it.
- Only scan QR codes that you trust. If you’re not sure whether a QR code is legitimate, don’t scan it. Instead, go to the website or merchant’s website directly.
- Check the URL before you scan. When you scan a QR code, it will take you to a website. Before you enter any personal or financial information on the website, make sure to check the URL to make sure it’s legitimate.
- Use a security app. There are a number of security apps available that can help you scan QR codes safely. These apps will scan the QR code for malware and other threats before you take you to the website.
What to Do If You Fall Victim to a QR Code Scam
If you think you’ve fallen victim to a QR code scam, there are a few things you should do:
- Contact your bank or credit card company immediately. Let them know that you think your account has been compromised and they can take steps to protect your account.
- Place a fraud alert on your credit report. This will make it more difficult for scammers to open new accounts in your name.
Summary
QR codes are a convenient and useful technology, but it’s important to be aware of the dangers of QR code scams. By following the tips above, you can help protect yourself from becoming a victim.
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Statement About Victim Blaming
Some of our articles discuss various aspects of victims. This is both about better understanding victims (the science of victimology) and their behaviors and psychology. This helps us to educate victims/survivors about why these crimes happened and to not blame themselves, better develop recovery programs, and to help victims avoid scams in the future. At times this may sound like blaming the victim, but it does not blame scam victims, we are simply explaining the hows and whys of the experience victims have.
These articles, about the Psychology of Scams or Victim Psychology – meaning that all humans have psychological or cognitive characteristics in common that can either be exploited or work against us – help us all to understand the unique challenges victims face before, during, and after scams, fraud, or cybercrimes. These sometimes talk about some of the vulnerabilities the scammers exploit. Victims rarely have control of them or are even aware of them, until something like a scam happens and then they can learn how their mind works and how to overcome these mechanisms.
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All articles about psychology and the human brain on this website are for information & education only
The information provided in this article is intended for educational and self-help purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for professional therapy or counseling.
While any self-help techniques outlined herein may be beneficial for scam victims seeking to recover from their experience and move towards recovery, it is important to consult with a qualified mental health professional before initiating any course of action. Each individual’s experience and needs are unique, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.
Additionally, any approach may not be appropriate for individuals with certain pre-existing mental health conditions or trauma histories. It is advisable to seek guidance from a licensed therapist or counselor who can provide personalized support, guidance, and treatment tailored to your specific needs.
If you are experiencing significant distress or emotional difficulties related to a scam or other traumatic event, please consult your doctor or mental health provider for appropriate care and support.
Also read our SCARS Institute Statement about Professional Care for Scam Victims – click here to go to our ScamsNOW.com website.
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