While some might embrace the digital landscape and its advances that make life easier, there are still many of us who can get overwhelmed by the digitisation of everything. Whether it's restaurant menus or cashless markets on the weekend, some conveniences come with a caveat: digital scams.
In an attempt to help discerning users and ever-ready scan fans, CEO at QR Code Generator Marc Porcar shares tips to help people avoid losing money or personal information when trying out the popular innovation.
1. Avoid payments using public QR codes
Any QR code is susceptible to tampering, especially those placed in public spaces. QR codes created for such scams could be found in restaurants, shopping malls, bars or other public places. Parking lot scams, however, are particularly identified as on the rise. If in doubt, do not pay through a QR code. There is almost always an alternative way to make a payment, like entering the URL yourself.
2. Do not scan QR codes from unsolicited emails
Email in boxes are often bombarded with links and attachments that may be malicious. While most email services can detect these, they usually cannot for QR codes.
Always ask the following questions:
- Do I know the sender of this email?
- If so, are they definitely who they claim to be?
Many scams claim to come from a trusted e-tailer. Generally, simply avoid scanning QR codes in emails altogether.
3. Check the destination of any QR code
Your phone will display the URL to which a QR code is trying to send you and only take you there if permitted. Check if the URL is legitimate by looking out for extended domain names. Multiple hyphens and symbols are common in malicious links, and known names may be included in the URL to trick you. Just because a URL has ‘Google’ in it, it does not mean it is legitimate, so look out for suspicious URLs.
It is possible to end up on a malicious website, even after taking great care, so when you have landed on a site through a QR code, remain vigilant. Unprofessional design, low-resolution images, poor grammar, or typos, can be telltale signs of a fraudulent website.
4. Do not be a victim of your own curiosity
Similar to how email scammers may entice victims, scanning a QR code may be incentivised with the promise of a reward, or by creating curiosity to bypass your suspicions.
Be extremely wary of any QR code that gives you the chance to ‘win’ anything, offers up a survey, or particularly promises free goods or services. QR codes may even be sent to you in leaflets or letters, but always make sure to follow the tips above, especially if a code has made its way to you without your asking.
5. You do not need a QR code ‘app’
Your phone's camera is capable of scanning and following QR codes. The misconception that you might need a new app to do this can lead to downloading fraudulent software that asks for extensive permissions and may try to install malware on your device. Always use your phone’s default camera for QR code scanning.
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