We are surrounded by QR codes. Since the pandemic, their use has become more popular to reduce physical contact. All it takes is to scan them with our mobile devices to download or access information. That’s why they have also become the ideal replacement for physical menus, both in restaurants and bars. However, this technology has not gone unnoticed by hackers.
The police have used social media to echo a new type of scam involving QR codes. Whether it’s a bar or just an advertisement, any of these codes can be used to deceive victims.
The operation of this deception is very simple. Cybercriminals overlay fraudulent QR codes on top of the original ones. Customers who scan these fake codes can access fake websites or download malicious files. In the videos posted by the Police on both X (formerly known as Twitter) and TikTok, it is explained that first, we must make sure that the code we are going to scan is not ‘a sticker pasted onto the original QR code‘.
One of the situations that the police use as an example features educational institutions. Outside these institutions, QR codes are often found providing information about extracurricular activities for children. Nothing could be further from the truth. Consequently, victims end up giving their personal or financial information, unaware that they are falling for a scam.
To avoid falling for these deceptions, we just have to:
- Check that it’s not a sticker placed on top of the original QR code.
- Ask the establishment about the code we’re going to scan.
- Never give personal or banking information.
