topic Re: SCAMMERS HIDE HARMFUL LINKS IN QR CODES TO STEAL YOUR INFORMATION in Electronics

SCAMMERS HIDE HARMFUL LINKS IN QR CODES TO STEAL YOUR INFORMATION

Tinkrbl44 — Fri, 08 Dec 2023 09:40:31 GMT

From a Consumer Reports email this week, from the FTC.

I don't really use any QR codes, but this caught my eye.

What are your thoughts?

Scammers hide harmful links in QR codes to steal your information | Consumer Advice (ftc.gov)

Re: SCAMMERS HIDE HARMFUL LINKS IN QR CODES TO STEAL YOUR INFORMATION

meallen616 — Fri, 08 Dec 2023 10:36:24 GMT

@Tinkrbl44,

I don't use QR codes either, but, thanks for posting for those who do!

Re: SCAMMERS HIDE HARMFUL LINKS IN QR CODES TO STEAL YOUR INFORMATION

on the bay — Fri, 08 Dec 2023 11:29:44 GMT

@Tinkrbl44,

Thanks for this!

I had never heard of qr codes until a few months ago but now see them used for so many things including returns for packages.

Here is something more about this-

"Cyber criminals posing as real companies send phishing emails with a QR code and ask users to scan it. Then, they attempt to obtain information or spread virus-infected files. Another common scam is the false QR code stuck on top of an original one, like in restaurants and street advertising."

1 day ago

I don't know how to avoid using a qr code if needing to return something? I wouldn't use one to retrieve a coupon.

Re: SCAMMERS HIDE HARMFUL LINKS IN QR CODES TO STEAL YOUR INFORMATION

Imaoldhippie — Fri, 08 Dec 2023 11:45:17 GMT

What are QR codes?

Re: SCAMMERS HIDE HARMFUL LINKS IN QR CODES TO STEAL YOUR INFORMATION

CalminHeart — Fri, 08 Dec 2023 12:18:21 GMT

I would never click or scan anything in an email except from 4 of my favorite retailers. Any other business or person - no way - and certainly not an email from some alleged company or retailer. One is asking for trouble.

There is so much fraud and I don't trust anything in a text or email. Even online, I don't go to any site I don't know and I verify verify verify.

Go to the internet and then tot he actual retailer. If it's legit, info will be there. If not, then you saved yourself some nasty headaches.

Re: SCAMMERS HIDE HARMFUL LINKS IN QR CODES TO STEAL YOUR INFORMATION

Tori3569 — Fri, 08 Dec 2023 13:23:49 GMT

QR codes are very useful to consumers and businesses as it's a quick way to get to a website. I don't see how this warning applies to every QR code from legit companies.

It appears to be referring to fake ads or postings. Same thing as seeing a fake ad on FB which shows a photo of a QVC host making it look like QVC. Everyone should just be sure anything they click or scan is from a legit source. I use QR codes all the time at work and other places with no issues.

Re: SCAMMERS HIDE HARMFUL LINKS IN QR CODES TO STEAL YOUR INFORMATION

OKPrincess — Fri, 08 Dec 2023 14:44:25 GMT

If memory serves me right, Cracker Barrel had QR codes posted on their tables for easy payment.

Since we don't use them, I don't know if they are still there.

Seen several places.

Re: SCAMMERS HIDE HARMFUL LINKS IN QR CODES TO STEAL YOUR INFORMATION

SilleeMee — Fri, 08 Dec 2023 18:16:36 GMT

I never click on anything which comes in an email from any business. I never use QR codes either. I don't own a smart phone which seems to be the root of a lot of problems at many levels.

Re: SCAMMERS HIDE HARMFUL LINKS IN QR CODES TO STEAL YOUR INFORMATION

Tinkrbl44 — Fri, 08 Dec 2023 19:48:00 GMT

@on the bay wrote:
@Tinkrbl44,
Thanks for this!
I had never heard of qr codes until a few months ago but now see them used for so many things including returns for packages.

Here is something more about this-

"Cyber criminals posing as real companies send phishing emails with a QR code and ask users to scan it. Then, they attempt to obtain information or spread virus-infected files. Another common scam is the false QR code stuck on top of an original one, like in restaurants and street advertising."
1 day ago

I don't know how to avoid using a qr code if needing to return something? I wouldn't use one to retrieve a coupon.

@on the bay

I have deliberately avoided them. Basically, they are a version of bar codes, if my search was accurate.

Just don't use them.

It doesn't matter how tech savvy you are ..... IMO, the problem is you can't tell a good/safe one from something with a virus in it.

Re: SCAMMERS HIDE HARMFUL LINKS IN QR CODES TO STEAL YOUR INFORMATION

Tori3569 — Fri, 08 Dec 2023 20:06:15 GMT

As with any links:

To avoid these scams, consumers should inspect the URL in QR codes before opening them, avoid scanning QR codes in unexpected emails or text messages, update their phone’s operating system, and use strong passwords and multifactor authentication to protect their online accounts, according to the alert.

Re: SCAMMERS HIDE HARMFUL LINKS IN QR CODES TO STEAL YOUR INFORMATION

Mz iMac — Fri, 08 Dec 2023 20:06:50 GMT

@Imaoldhippie wrote:
What are QR codes?

@Imaoldhippie This doohickey.....

A few years ago I had to return something to Amazon & they emailed me a QR code. I immediately called CR & asked why they email me a Maze game instead of a return receipt.

After CR got off the floor from ROTFLHAS she told me to print it out & UPS will scan since I don't have a cell.

Re: SCAMMERS HIDE HARMFUL LINKS IN QR CODES TO STEAL YOUR INFORMATION

SilleeMee — Fri, 08 Dec 2023 20:15:02 GMT

'QR' stands for Quick Response.

Re: SCAMMERS HIDE HARMFUL LINKS IN QR CODES TO STEAL YOUR INFORMATION

SaveTheTurtles — Fri, 08 Dec 2023 20:17:00 GMT

I don't use them either, but thanks for the heads up.

Re: SCAMMERS HIDE HARMFUL LINKS IN QR CODES TO STEAL YOUR INFORMATION

shoptilyadropagain — Sat, 09 Dec 2023 03:10:07 GMT

I only use ones that I know come from a reliable source or that I was expecting. We use them at work too.

Re: SCAMMERS HIDE HARMFUL LINKS IN QR CODES TO STEAL YOUR INFORMATION

Icegoddess — Sat, 09 Dec 2023 03:14:36 GMT

This really isn't new news, but I rarely use them. However, during Covid, scanning a QR code was the only way to see the menu at Applebees.

Re: SCAMMERS HIDE HARMFUL LINKS IN QR CODES TO STEAL YOUR INFORMATION

Imaoldhippie — Sat, 09 Dec 2023 12:13:45 GMT

@Mz iMac ...........Thank you. I am familiar with those I did not know what they were called. I just returned a pair of boots to Amazon and used that.