LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Quick response codes, better known as QR codes, are a popular way to access information quickly.
The small, square barcodes you can scan with your smartphone are everywhere—from parking meters and restaurant menus to advertisements and magazines. They can direct us quickly to websites and other information.
Research from Statista found that in 2022, over 89 million mobile device users in the U.S. used QR codes—a 26% increase from 2020.
Although they are convenient, they also pose an additional risk.
Scam artists are now using the technology to steal personal information.
There are several ways scammers are using QR codes.
They might cover legitimate QR codes with fake ones on public surfaces, send codes via email or text pretending to be from delivery companies, or place harmful codes on social media ads.
Once scanned, these fraudulent codes can lead you to fake websites designed to steal your personal information or even download malware onto your device.
Cybersecurity experts tell us to be careful when scanning.
“You’re curious. You see a QR code and wonder where it goes. Just be careful. So you can use your camera app. Don’t download any of these apps you see online or on your app store that say ... ‘here’s a QR code scanner.’ You don’t really need that. Use the one on your camera. Hover over the link, see where it goes. And make sure it’s going to the real site. So, for example, instead of going to your favorite shopping site, it’s a misspelled version of it," said Jeff Chandler, CEO of Z- Jak Technologies in Louisville.
To protect yourself, experts say to be cautious of unsolicited QR codes.
Avoid scanning QR codes received via email or text from unknown sources and to be aware of urgent requests.
Experts say scammers often create a sense of urgency.
They might claim you have an outstanding debt or account problem and demand immediate action through a QR code.
For more information, you can review alerts from the Federal Trade Commission and the Better Business Bureau.
If you suspect a QR code scam, report it to the Office of the Inspector General online.
Data says that the number of Americans who use QR codes is expected to pass 100 million by 2025.