How to avoid QR code scams
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – QR codes may be a quick and easy way to access websites and make payments on your smartphone, but QR code scams are on the rise. There’s even a name for QR code scams. It’s called quishing.
But you’ll be much safer from scams once you learn how to avoid false codes.
A Quick Response code (QR code) is a square-shaped barcode that you can scan with your smartphone’s camera to gain access to websites. One of the biggest uses of QR codes is to give and receive payments.
However, those who have little experience with QR codes may run into trouble if they scan the wrong codes.
Here are a few rules that can help keep you safe:
Here’s a list of some of the places you might find fake QR codes:
And lastly, here are a few ways scammers can entice you with a QR code:
Remember that your smartphone’s camera can read a QR code just fine. You don’t need a QR code app, so don’t download fraudulent software masquerading as a QR code reader.
And never give login credentials, credit card numbers, or any other person information to a website you’ve discovered through a QR code.
If you’d like to learn more about QR code scams, visit the Social Security Administration’s website.
You can also report imposter scams to the Office of the Inspector General.