Scam News 1
Caution: QR Codes in Emails Might Be a ‘Quishing’ Scam
To safeguard yourself from falling prey to this scam, security experts recommend taking precautionary measures. Before accessing the link, preview the URL, and exercise caution if it appears unreadable.
When clicking on the QR code link, scrutinize for spelling and grammatical errors. An insecure site is often a red flag. Check for the lockbox icon in the left corner of the URL and ensure it starts with HTTPS, indicating a secure connection.
Nick Hill from the Better Business Bureau advises, “You’re going to want to look for the lockbox icon in the left corner of the URL and also see if it starts with an HTTPS. Of course, the HTTPS stands for secure. If you see that and the lockbox icon, that’s generally a pretty good sign that you’re on a safe website.”
In the event of scanning a fake QR code, promptly change passwords for the affected accounts. Secure financial accounts by implementing two-factor authentication and consider activating fraud alerts for added protection.
A recent email scam tactic employs QR codes to exploit sensitive information.
Known as “quishing” or QR phishing, this method involves fraudsters launching email campaigns with seemingly authentic QR codes. However, scanning these codes from scam emails reveals a malicious URL embedded within, directing users to websites containing malware or designed to steal personal and financial data.
These deceptive emails often masquerade as communications from reputable companies or brands. The success of quishing lies in its ability to mimic legitimate entities, leading recipients to believe they are accessing discounts or special offers.