BBB Warns Of Scammers Placing Fake QR Codes Over Real Ones

Technological innovations are wonderful when they work. They make our lives easier, faster and, in many cases, more convenient. But when that same technology is used against us, there can be some pretty big problems.

The Better Business Bureau is warning about a scam involving something most of us probably don't give a second thought: QR codes.

Those little square patterns have become part of everyday life. You see them on restaurant tables, parking meters, public transportation signs, packages, advertisements and just about everywhere else. Point your phone's camera at one, and you're instantly taken to a website or payment page.

That's exactly what scammers are counting on.

a person holding a cell phone in front of a laptop

The BBB Is Warning That Scammers Are Putting Fake QR Codes Over Real Ones

The scam has reportedly been spotted on parking meters, in public transit areas and even on packages. You may think you're scanning a perfectly legitimate code, but instead you're being sent to a phony website designed to steal your credit-card information, passwords or other personal information.

And that's what makes this scam particularly sneaky. The QR code itself doesn't necessarily look suspicious. You're seeing it in a place where you'd reasonably expect to see one, and you're simply doing what you've done dozens of times before, or have at least seen others doing it.

white and brown paper on gray table

Here's How To Protect Yourself

The BBB recommends taking a moment to examine QR codes before scanning them. Look for signs that a sticker has been placed over another code, and be especially cautious with codes that arrive unexpectedly through text messages, emails or from strangers.

There's also a good rule of thumb that when a QR code takes you to a payment page, stop and look at the web address before entering any information. If the website looks strange, has misspellings or doesn't appear to belong to the business you're dealing with, close it.

QR codes may be wonderfully convenient. Just remember that these days, even something as simple as pointing your phone at a little black-and-white square deserves a second look.