TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Nearly every day, you come across a QR code to scan with your phone. From downloading a menu at restaurant to paying for something with your phone, QR codes can be convenient but crooks are using these codes too.
QR stands for Quick Response. By pointing your phone’s camera at the code, a web link will appear that you can quickly access. This can be convenient for consumers trying to conduct business or get information quickly.
But it’s also a quick way for con artists to try to trick you into falling for a fake QR code.
Brian Oglesby, of the Better Business Bureau, said crooks do this to get you to turn over private information so they can steal your money.
“If the red flags are there, then that’s a decision not to move forward with scanning the QR code,” Oglesby said. “There are going to be other sources that the QR code.”
The Federal Trade Commission is warning of recent reports of scammers covering up QR codes on parking meters or at gas pumps with a fake code.
Oglesby warned that crooks are sending QR codes by text or email, phishing with fake reasons for recipients to scan them.
They use phony excuses, he said, such as scheduling a delivery or warning you about suspicious account activity.
Sometimes, QR codes are unavoidable, like at a restaurant where you have to scan a QR code to access the menu.
Bottom line: Think before you scan, and look for red flags before you click.
