Identity Theft Risks: How Do You Know QR Codes Are Safe?

In restaurants, stores or even on the street: QR codes are now ubiquitous for information, but they also provide a new tool for fraudsters who can steal your identity.

Before you pull out your smartphone to scan a QR code, you’d better think twice, the Federal Trade Commission warned in a recent report.

If this new technology allows merchants to see their customers’ behavior or simply share a list, it is also possible that fraudsters can use it for more sinister intentions.

Thus, a QR code can enable identity theft and, at the same time, banking information or other personal data such as a medical file.

It can sometimes be difficult to distinguish between a real QR code and one used in fraud. Here are some recommendations from the Federal Trade Commission to avoid being scammed:

– Scan the QR code location

Fraudsters can place their QR codes in public places, such as parking meters, parking lots, public flyers, or even on self-service bike racks.

– Be careful of unexpectedly received QR codes

Scammers can send unsolicited QR codes via text or email. If it contains a misspelled URL, it could be a sign of fraud.

If the message is similar to the company’s login, you can’t contact the company’s direct contact on the line to verify the information’s awareness, especially if there is an urgent affair, such as the delivery date. Package.

“They want you to scan the QR code and open the URL without thinking,” the US commission stated in its report.

– Update your phone software and use strong passwords

This will better protect your accounts that you view from your phone. Adding multi-factor authentication can also help with fraud prediction.

***Read recommendations Government of Canada on QR Code Phishing.