Beware the QR code scams

Most internet users are aware of the usual scam.

Phishing emails trying to steal your account logins, misspelled URLs attempting to access your bank accounts, and fake online storefronts charging you for products they never intend to send are all examples. It's time to be on the lookout for fake QR codes.

What's a code? You've probably seen them as their use has gone up. Many restaurants are using a new method to replace their menus. When you use a camera on your phone, you can use a square barcode to take you to a website or app.

It seems like the codes were made to deter phish. If a user accidentally misspells a link, they could be sent to a fake site meant to look like the real thing. You can go to the real website you intended to go to by scanning the QR code.

As with most new and growing technologies, scam artists have found a way to weaponize the codes.

In San Antonio, Texas, there were public parking meters that had QR codes on them. Scan the barcode on your phone and pay for your parking spot. It's quick and simple, right? Not true. The public was told that it was a scam by the San Antonio Police Department.
Fraudsters placed their own codes on the parking meters. The drivers who paid the meters were sending their money to the scam. Other major cities in Texas, such as Austin and Houston, have reported similar parking meter grifts.

A small amount of the scam on the web is due to the use of QR codes. The Better Business Bureau put out a scam alert on its scam tracker last year. Anyone can make their own QR codes now that the technology is accessible.

What should you do to reduce risk?

If you receive an email that contains a link that gets text messaged to you, treat it the same way. The only thing the code is doing is directing you to a link. When you receive an email with a link inside, you should double check the source of the QR code and the URL.

If you know the URL for the page you're directed to, type it out yourself. The links are accessible without a barcode. There are public notices that are tampered with. A fraudster can use their own code on a poster or flyer that is legit.

People are still being tricked by online scam. Let's nip this in the bud and try to minimize the harm caused by the scam before it happens.