Spotlight: QR Code Scams
QR codes are everywhere – from parking meters and restaurant menus to event tickets and package tracking. While they’re designed to make life easier, scammers are finding new ways to use them to steal personal and financial information.
Instead of sending a suspicious link, fraudsters create fake QR codes that lead to convincing websites where victims are asked to sign in, verify account information, or make a payment. Some scammers even place fraudulent QR code stickers over legitimate ones in public places.
Red flags to recognize:
- Fake QR codes placed over parking meters or kiosk payment codes.
- QR codes sent by text or email claiming there’s an issue with a package or account.
- Fake promotions or giveaways that require you to scan a QR code to claim a prize.
- QR codes directing you to websites that look legitimate but are designed to capture your login credentials or payment information.
How to protect yourself:
- Take a moment to inspect QR codes before scanning, especially in public places.
- Review the website address before entering any personal or financial information.
- Avoid scanning QR codes from unexpected emails, text messages, or social media posts.
- If you’re unsure, visit the company’s website directly instead of using the QR code.
- Never feel pressured to scan a QR code immediately because of an urgent message.
Trending: Social Media Marketplace Scams
Social media marketplaces have made it easier than ever to buy and sell everything from furniture and electronics to concert tickets and vehicles. Unfortunately, scammers are taking advantage of these platforms by creating fake listings and impersonating legitimate buyers and sellers.
These scams may include:
- Fake Listings: Fraudsters advertise high-demand items at prices that seem too good to be true. Once payment or a deposit is sent, the item never arrives.
- Ticket Scams: Fake or duplicate tickets are sold for concerts, sporting events, and other attractions.
- Rental Scams: Scammers advertise homes or apartments that don’t exist or don’t belong to them and collect deposits before disappearing.
- Overpayment Scams: A fake buyer “accidentally” sends too much money and asks the seller to refund the difference before the original payment is reversed.
- Fake Payment Confirmations: Scammers send convincing screenshots or emails claiming payment has been made in hopes the seller will ship the item before verifying the funds.
How they gain your trust:
- Stolen photos and descriptions copied from legitimate listings.
- Newly created or hacked social media accounts that appear trustworthy.
- Excuses for why they can’t meet in person, such as being out of town or deployed.
- Pressure to send a deposit quickly because someone else is “ready to buy.”
- Fake payment confirmations or shipping updates that look legitimate.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Be cautious of prices that seem too good to be true.
- Avoid sending deposits or full payment before inspecting an item.
- Verify that payments have cleared before shipping merchandise.
- Meet in a safe, public location whenever possible.
- Trust your instincts – if something doesn’t feel right, walk away.
Trending: Recovery Scams
Experiencing a scam can be financially devastating, and many victims are eager to recover their lost money. Recovery scams take advantage of that hope by promising to help victims retrieve their money, often after an upfront fee. Fraudsters may even discuss details of the previous scam in order to make their offer appear more legitimate.
These scams may include:
- Fake Recovery Companies: Fraudsters pose as a recovery company and promise to recover money lost in a previous scam.
- Government Impersonation: Someone claims to represent a government agency and says your money has been found but taxes or processing fees must be paid first.
- Law Firm Scams: Criminals pose as attorneys handling settlements or lawsuits and request legal or administrative fees before funds can be released.
- Cryptocurrency Recovery Services: Scammers claim they can trace or recover stolen cryptocurrency for an advance payment.
Common tactics include:
- Claiming your money has already been located and is waiting to be released.
- Using official-looking emails, websites, or documents to appear legitimate.
- Referencing details from the original scam to gain your trust.
- Creating urgency by saying your opportunity to recover the funds will expire.
- Requesting upfront fees for taxes, legal costs, or processing before any money can be returned.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Be skeptical of anyone who unexpectedly contacts you about recovering lost money.
- Never pay upfront fees for recovery services.
- Remember that no one can guarantee the recovery of stolen funds.
- Independently verify the identity of anyone claiming to represent a government agency, attorney, or recovery service.
- Contact your financial institution immediately if you believe you’ve been targeted again.