Think Before You Scan: A Fake QR Code Can Lead to a Scam Website
QR codes are now almost everywhere. We use them to pay for food, open restaurant menus, access parking services, complete forms, and receive promotions. All it takes is pointing your camera at the code and tapping the link that appears. It is quick and convenient, but scammers have also started taking advantage of that convenience. A fraudulent QR code can be placed over a legitimate payment code or delivered through a message, email, poster, or unexpected package. Once scanned, it may direct users to a fake website designed to steal passwords, card information, or personal data. Scanning a QR code should therefore be treated like clicking any other link: check the destination before trusting it. How Does a Fake QR Code Work? A QR code simply stores information, including website addresses. The problem is that you cannot see its destination by looking at the pattern alone. Scammers can create a code that opens an imitation website. The page may look almost identical to a bank, digital ...