QR Code Scams: Scanning the Risks of this Convenient Technology

Other Scams

November 11, 2024

by Retrieveback Team

Remember those barcode-like squares you see everywhere these days? Those are QR codes, and they’ve become incredibly popular for everything from viewing restaurant menus to making payments and accessing information quickly. They’re undeniably convenient, but did you know they can also be a tool for scammers?

Just like any technology, QR codes can be misused. Scammers can create malicious QR codes that lead you to fake websites, download malware onto your device, or even trick you into sending them money. And in the modern world where seemingly everything goes through one of these codes, it’s up to us to stay vigilant and learn how to use them responsibly.

How QR Code Scams Work

Think of a QR code as a shortcut. It’s essentially a scannable image that holds a piece of information, most often a website address (URL). When you scan a QR code with your smartphone or tablet, the device decodes the information and takes you directly to that website or performs another action, like opening an app or displaying a message.

That’s where the scammers come in. They can create their own QR codes that link to malicious websites or trigger harmful actions. Here’s how they do it:

Creating malicious links. Scammers can generate QR codes that lead to phishing websites, fake login pages, or sites that download malware onto your device. These sites often look very similar to legitimate ones, making it easy to fall for the trick.
Replacing legitimate QR codes. Scammers might tamper with legitimate QR codes, replacing them with a malicious version. Imagine scanning a QR code at a coffee shop to pay for your latte, only to be redirected to a fake payment site that steals your credit card information.
Hiding malicious code within the QR code. Scammers can embed malicious code within the QR code itself. When you scan the code, this code might automatically download malware onto your device or exploit vulnerabilities in your phone's software.
Using QR codes in social engineering attacks. QR codes can also be used in social engineering scams. For example, a scammer might send you a QR code with a message like, "Congratulations! You've won a prize! Scan this code to claim it." But instead of a prize, you'll be taken to a phishing site or have malware installed on your device.

The key takeaway here is that while QR codes themselves are not inherently dangerous, they can be manipulated by scammers to deceive and harm unsuspecting users.

QR Code Scams: Spotting the Suspicious Squares

While QR codes are super convenient, it’s important to remember that not all of them are harmless. Here are some signs that a QR code might be hiding something malicious:

Suspicious sources. Think about where you found the QR code. Did it come from a trusted source, like a well-known company or a reputable website? Or did you find it on a random flyer, a sticker slapped on a wall, or in an email from someone you don't know? If you're not sure about the source, the safest thing to do is just not scan it.
Unclear destination. Before you scan a QR code, see if you can figure out where it's going to take you. Some QR code scanners will show you a preview of the website address. If you can't see the destination or if it looks suspicious (like a jumbled mess of letters and numbers), avoid it.
Unexpected requests. Be wary if a QR code asks you for personal or financial information that doesn't seem necessary. For example, if you're scanning a QR code to view a restaurant menu and it asks for your credit card details, that's a big red flag.
Too good to be true offers. We all love a good deal, but if a QR code promises something that seems too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers often use tempting offers to lure you into their traps. If you see a QR code promising a free iPhone or a ridiculously high discount, it's best to steer clear.
Damaged or tampered codes. Take a close look at the QR code itself. If it looks damaged, blurry, or like it's been tampered with, it might be a sign that someone has replaced a legitimate code with a malicious one.

Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. If you have any doubts about a QR code, don’t scan it.

QR Code Safety: Scan with Confidence, Not with Fear

All of this might sound a little bit scary but don’t worry, you don’t have to avoid QR codes altogether. Just follow these simple tips to stay safe:

Use a QR code scanner with security features. Instead of just using your phone's camera, try downloading a QR code scanner app that has extra security features. Some apps can check if a QR code is linked to a dodgy website or if it's trying to sneak some malware onto your phone.
Preview the destination. Before you scan, see if your QR code scanner gives you a sneak peek of where the code is taking you. If it shows you the website address, take a quick look to make sure it's a website you recognize and trust.
Be extra careful with payments. If you're using a QR code to pay for something, double-check all the details before you hit that "confirm" button. Make sure the payment amount is correct and that you're sending the money to the right person or business.
Keep your phone updated. Just like you update apps on your phone, it's important to keep your phone's software updated too. These updates often include security patches that can protect you from the latest scams and vulnerabilities.
Consider using a VPN. A VPN is like a secret tunnel for your internet connection, making it much harder for snoopers to see what you're doing online. If you're using QR codes on public Wi-Fi, a VPN can add an extra layer of protection.
If in doubt, ask. If you see a QR code in a weird place or if you're not sure about it, don't be afraid to ask someone you trust for advice. You can also report suspicious QR codes to the place where you found them or to the authorities.

Final Thoughts

QR codes aren’t a bad thing, they make our lives easier in countless ways. But as with any technology, scammers have found a way to use it against us. After all, these people are always on the lookout for new ways to trick us, and QR codes are no exception.

If the worst happens and you lose your money over one of these QR scams, there’s no need to panic because Retrieveback is here to help. Just reach out to us and we’ll thoroughly investigate your case, and at the end of the investigation we’ll provide you with a detailed Investigation Report and Action you can get back what’s rightfully yours.