SCARS Institute's Encyclopedia of Scams™ RomanceScamsNOW.com Published Continuously for 25 Years

SCARS Institute’s Encyclopedia of Scams™ Published Continuously for 25 Years

In 2025 the SCARS Institute will enter its 11th year of Supporting Scam Victims Worldwide. Please let us know how we can better help you? Thank you for supporting our organization. SCARS Institute © 2024 www.AgainstScams.org

QR Code Scams – Stop Scanning The Now!

It Is Almost Impossible To Know Real QR Codes From Fake!

How Scams Work – A SCARS Insight

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.

SCARS FREE Support & Recovery Program - 4 EVER FREE

Do You Need Support?
Get It Now!

SCARS provides the leading Support & Recovery program for relationship scam victims – completely FREE!

Our managed peer support groups allow victims to talk to other survivors and recover in the most experienced environment possible, for as long as they need. Recovery takes as long as it takes – we put no limits on our support!

SCARS is the most trusted support & education provider in the world. Our team is certified in trauma-informed care, grief counseling, and so much more!

To apply to join our groups visit support.AgainstScams.org

We also offer separate support groups for family & friends too.

SCARS STAR Membership

Become a
SCARS STAR™ Member

SCARS offers memberships in our STAR program, which includes many benefits for a very low annual membership fee!

SCARS STAR Membership benefits include:

  • FREE Counseling or Therapy Benefit from our partner BetterHelp.com
  • Exclusive members-only content & publications
  • Discounts on SCARS Self-Help Books Save
  • And more!

To learn more about the SCARS STAR Membership visit membership.AgainstScams.org

To become a SCARS STAR Member right now visit join.AgainstScams.org

SCARS Publishing Self-Help Recovery Books Available At shop.AgainstScams.org

Scam Victim Self-Help Do-It-Yourself Recovery Books

SCARS Printed Books For Every Scam Survivor From SCARS Publishing

Visit shop.AgainstScams.org

Each is based on our SCARS Team’s 32-plus years of experience.

SCARS Website Visitors receive an Extra 10% Discount
Use Discount Code “romanacescamsnow” at Checkout

Always Report All Scams – Anywhere In The World To:

Go to reporting.AgainstScams.org to learn how

U.S. FTC at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/?orgcode=SCARS and SCARS at www.Anyscams.com
Visit reporting.AgainstScams.org to learn more!

-/ 30 /-

What do you think about this?
Please share your thoughts in a comment below!

Article Rating

0
(0)

Table of Contents

ARTICLE CATEGORIES

POPULAR ARTICLES

Rapid Report Scammers

SCARS-CDN-REPORT-SCAMEMRS-HERE

Visit SCARS www.Anyscam.com

Quick Reporting

  • Valid Emails Only

  • This field is hidden when viewing the form
    Valid Phone Numbers Only

Subscribe & New Item Updates

In the U.S. & Canada

U.S. & Canada Suicide Lifeline 988

U.S. & Canada Suicide Lifeline 988

RATE THIS ARTICLE?

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 0 / 5. Vote count: 0

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

As you found this post useful...

Follow us on social media!

We are sorry that this post was not useful for you!

Let us improve this post!

Tell us how we can improve this post?

LEAVE A COMMENT?

Your comments help the SCARS Institute better understand all scam victim/survivor experiences and improve our services and processes. Thank you


Thank you for your comment. You may receive an email to follow up. We never share your data with marketers.

Recent Comments
On Other Articles

Important Information for New Scam Victims

If you are looking for local trauma counselors please visit counseling.AgainstScams.org or join SCARS for our counseling/therapy benefit: membership.AgainstScams.org

If you need to speak with someone now, you can dial 988 or find phone numbers for crisis hotlines all around the world here: www.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines

A Note About Labeling!

We often use the term ‘scam victim’ in our articles, but this is a convenience to help those searching for information in search engines like Google. It is just a convenience and has no deeper meaning. If you have come through such an experience, YOU are a Survivor! It was not your fault. You are not alone! Axios!

A Question of Trust

At the SCARS Institute, we invite you to do your own research on the topics we speak about and publish, Our team investigates the subject being discussed, especially when it comes to understanding the scam victims-survivors experience. You can do Google searches but in many cases, you will have to wade through scientific papers and studies. However, remember that biases and perspectives matter and influence the outcome. Regardless, we encourage you to explore these topics as thoroughly as you can for your own awareness.

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.

Articles like these help victims and others understand these processes and how to help prevent them from being exploited again or to help them recover more easily by understanding their post-scam behaviors. Learn more about the Psychology of Scams at www.ScamPsychology.org

Psychology Disclaimer:

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.

If you are in crisis, feeling desperate, or in despair please call 988 or your local crisis hotline.