How the QR Code Scam Works
Scammers send you ‘free’ gifts in the mail, making it look like it comes from a legitimate big company that you can easily recognise, and will also include a QR code. The package can also include your full name and address, to give you a false sense of security, but we all know by now that this information is easily accessible due to data breaches and data selling.
Once you scan the code, there are 2 possibilities:
1. You get redirected to a legitimate looking web page to continue the ruse and potentially ask you for more information
2. Redirect you to an error page that you can easily dismiss
Either way, once you get there, all the information in your phone will be sent directly to the scammer, and depending on the type of info they gather, they can either send you more elaborate scams, or get straight to the point and steal the money from your accounts.
To protect yourself and reduce the risk of becoming a victim to scams, be mindful of unsolicited packages or ‘free’ gifts, do not scan the QR codes from these packages, and verify the legitimacy of the delivery directly with the company that sent it to you before taking further action.
