FBI warns hackers are planting fake QR CODES in restaurants that steal your data when you click link
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Why you should ALWAYS ask for a physical menu: FBI warns hackers are putting fake QR CODES in restaurants that steal your info when you click the link
QR codes have become the new standard for accessing restaurant menus in the post-Covid US – but scammers are taking advantage of the new practice.
The FBI warns that thieves are creating fake QR codes and placing them in restaurants, stores, and even parking meters.
Instead of directing you to an online menu or checkout, the links directly download malware onto your device, stealing your location and personal information
The FBI has urged consumers to watch for typos or misplaced letters in URLs accessed through QR codes and to ask restaurants for a physical menu.
The FBI and experts warn the public to watch out for fake QR codes placed on top of real QR codes in restaurants, stores and parking meters
QR, which stands for “quick response,” codes are machine-readable codes made up of black and white squares that store URLs, payment options, and other online services that a smartphone camera can access.
They’ve been around since 1994, but made a huge comeback during the COVID pandemic to cater to the contactless society.
The FBI first raised the alarm about QR scams in January 2022, but reports of people being tricked by counterfeit barcodes are on the rise.
Carrie Kerskie, president of Kerskie Group in Naples, Florida, said Local ABC 7 which is another big parking meter QR scam.
The malicious QR codes may contain malware, allowing criminals to access devices they scan and steal the user’s location and personal information
Fraudulent QR codes are placed on the back of meters, tricking people into thinking they are paying for parking
Fraudulent QR codes are placed on the back of meters, tricking people into thinking they are paying for parking.
“The criminals know that every person in that parking lot will click on that QR code or take a picture of it and they could create a website that looks very similar to the legitimate parking website…but it’s not,” Kerskie said . .
A report from Marcuma New York-based accounting and consulting service, shows that QR code scams are among the top five cybersecurity threats observed in April.
The group emphasizes that scammers use bogus codes to carry out phishing attacks in emails and social media posts.
“Scammers can also approach you through an online marketplace claiming they are trying to buy goods you are selling, asking you to scan a QR code,” said Marcum.
“Avoid paying from a website that can be accessed via a QR code. Manually enter a recognized and trustworthy website to make the payment.’
Another area where fake QR codes are seen is the cryptocurrency industry.
“Crypto transactions are often made via QR codes associated with crypto accounts… allowing for easy marking of these transactions,” according to an FBI press release.
“If you scan a scammer’s bad code, you could end up giving them access to your device.
“He can access your contacts, download malware or send you to a fake payment portal.
“There you can inadvertently give him access to your bank and credit card accounts. If you make a payment via a bad QR code, it is difficult, if not impossible, to get that money back.’