Electronics

[Tinkrbl44]

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) 

[meallen616]

@Tinkrbl44,

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

[on the bay]

@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.

[Imaoldhippie]

What are QR codes?

[CalminHeart]

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.

[Tori3569]

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.  

[OKPrincess]

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.

[SilleeMee]

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.

[Tinkrbl44]

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@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.   

[Tori3569]

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.