The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued a warning regarding QR codes, urging the public to be cautious when scanning them. In a blog post, the FTC emphasized that QR codes placed in inconspicuous locations or sent via text or email can be tools for scams. Bad actors may use QR codes to trick individuals into providing sensitive information, such as personal details or login credentials.
According to cybersecurity company Trellix, there were over 60,000 instances of QR code attacks in the third quarter of the year. Scams involving impersonation of payroll and HR personnel, as well as postal scams, were reported as some of the most popular types. In the past, fraudulent QR codes were found on parking meters in Texas cities, leading people to false payment sites.
To avoid falling victim to QR code-related scams, the FTC recommends ignoring unexpected messages with urgent requests, checking the URL displayed when scanning to ensure it’s from a trusted site, updating devices regularly, and using strong passwords with multi-factor authentication for sensitive accounts. The FTC also advises against downloading additional QR code scanning apps, as most smartphones have built-in cameras with scanning capabilities.
The FBI has previously shared similar recommendations, emphasizing the importance of exercising caution when dealing with QR codes. If individuals are uncertain about the legitimacy of a QR code, it is advised not to scan it.
