Fake QR Codes: The New Scam Trend and How to Identify Them

In the age of rapidly developing digital technology, QR (Quick Response) codes have become an indispensable part of our daily lives.

From paying bills, accessing product information, to sharing contact information, QR codes are everywhere. However, this convenience also comes with its own set of risks, especially the risk of encountering fake QR codes.

QR Code Fraud Trend: Beware of Invisible Traps

Creating fake QR codes is one of the increasingly sophisticated scams of cybercriminals. They can be used to steal personal information, bank accounts, and even install malware on your device. Just one careless scan of the code and you can become a victim of these scams.

Fraudsters can paste fake QR codes over real ones at payment points, parking lots, or ATMs. When users scan the code, they may be redirected to a fake website that steals personal information or asks them to transfer money to the fraudster’s account.

In addition, other tricks such as QR codes containing malware, leading users to websites containing viruses or asking to download fake applications are also on the rise. Some scammers also send QR codes via email, text messages, and social networks to trick users into providing bank account information or passwords.

How to identify fake QR codes to ensure safety when using them

If you want to protect your phone and personal data from theft or fraud, be careful when scanning QR codes. Here are some ways to identify fake QR codes and how to avoid potential risks.

Before scanning, check that the QR code has not been physically altered.

Nowadays, QR codes have become an indispensable part of modern life, penetrating almost every field, from business, education, healthcare to entertainment and tourism. With just a simple scan, QR codes open the door to a huge treasure trove of information, bringing extremely practical benefits to users.

However, scammers are increasingly taking advantage of the popularity of QR codes to commit fraud. They can overlay a fake QR code onto the original code, leading users to fake websites designed to steal personal information, login credentials, or even install malware on the victim's device. If you're not careful, you could accidentally scan these malicious websites.

To avoid the risk of scanning a fake QR code, you should always double check before using it. One sign to look out for is if the QR code looks like it has been pasted over the original code. This could be a sign of a scam.

Not all of these cases are cause for concern, however, as some businesses, such as restaurants, may change their QR codes when updating their menus. Still, it's always wise to be cautious when it comes to protecting your personal information and your devices.

Analyze the context surrounding the QR code

If you're looking at a QR code and wondering whether it's trustworthy, pay attention to the context around it. Sometimes the environment in which a QR code appears can provide important clues that help you figure out whether it's a scam or not.

Observe the location and appearance of the QR code

Before scanning a QR code, ask yourself if the QR code appears in a reasonable place. For example, you receive an email asking you to visit a website, but instead of providing a clear website address, it asks you to scan a QR code.

This could be a scam to mask the real website address and take you to a fake website. Similarly, if the email or text message that comes with the QR code is very vague and doesn’t explain what you’re supposed to scan the code for, that could be a red flag.

Check the content that comes with the QR code

If the QR code appears on an email, flyer, or poster, read the accompanying text carefully. If the text contains spelling errors, odd grammar, or seems ambiguous, it may indicate a scam.

In particular, be cautious if the content asks you to scan a QR code to receive a reward, verify your account, or provide personal information. Many phishing attacks often use this method to steal user information.

Be careful with QR codes in public places

Some QR codes that appear in unusual locations may be a scam. For example, if you see a QR code posted on a bus stop, a shopping mall wall, or any public place that doesn’t have a sign from a trusted organization, think twice before scanning it. Scammers may have overwritten these QR codes in popular locations to trick users into visiting a malicious website.

In short, if a QR code looks unusual, appears in a suspicious context, or comes with unclear information, you should think twice before scanning it. Always check the source and content before taking any action to ensure the safety of your data and devices.

Double check the website address that the QR code leads to

Fortunately, scanning a malicious QR code doesn’t mean your phone will immediately become infected with a virus or your personal data will be stolen. You still have the opportunity to check and analyze where the QR code is taking you before taking any action.

Many QR code scanning apps will pre-display the website address the code is trying to redirect you to. This gives you a chance to check the legitimacy of the link.

Take a close look at the web address. Does it contain unusual spelling errors, strange domain names, or suspicious characters? If so, it could be a phishing site designed to steal login information or install malware.

Also, if the QR code claims to take you to an app, make sure it actually takes you to an official app store like the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.

Scammers often create fake websites that look very similar to the real app store, but actually contain malware installation files. If in doubt, make a note of the name of the app the QR code suggests, then open the app store on your phone and search for it manually.

By always being cautious and double-checking before clicking any links, you can protect your phone and personal data from potential risks from malicious QR codes.

Use a secure QR code scanning app

If you're concerned that you might accidentally visit a malicious website or download a dangerous app, consider using safe QR code scanning apps.

Unlike regular QR scanners, these apps can analyze the content of the QR code and check for any signs of maliciousness. If they detect anything suspicious, they will warn you before you proceed.

Some popular QR code scanning apps like QR Code Reader and Scanner by Kaspersky, QR Scanner by Trend Micro can check any website address or linked file to make sure you are not redirected to phishing or malware-infected websites.

In summary, while QR codes can be risky, there are a few simple steps you can take to protect yourself before scanning. Check the QR code for signs of tampering or overwriting, evaluate the context around it to see if it appears to make sense, and always check the destination the QR code is leading to first.

In particular, don't enter any personal information or download files from a site that you haven't verified as trustworthy. With a little caution, you can use QR codes safely without worrying about scams or data breaches.