There has been a rise in reports of fake QR codes being used to scam the people that scan them. We outline what you should look out for and how to avoid them.
QR codes have been around for a long time but they have been used more frequently since the Covid lockdowns. They are a quick way to direct users to websites, without the need to type in the URL or search on Google. However, there has been a rise in the number of untrustworthy QR codes that are being used to steal personal and financial data.
Fake QR codes are usually found in public spaces such as car park pay signs, rather than inside more secure spaces like restaurants and cafés. You should look for signs that QR codes have been tampered with – you may see stickers used to cover genuine codes with fake ones.
The fake QR codes can send users to websites that look genuine, but are actually used to steal personal information in a phishing-style scam.
If you have any concerns about a QR code, you should avoid using it. Instead, you can type in website addresses manually to ensure it is the correct one.
You should always be cautious when providing personal and financial information to other people and businesses. If you have any cyber security concerns, you can contact our expert team for advice.
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About Carrera UK
Carrera UK provide IT support, IT services, and telecoms to small businesses in Portsmouth & Southampton in Hampshire, and across the South of England.
We offer a complete suite of IT and telecoms service solutions for small and medium-sized businesses, including IT support, broadband, home working support, business phones, and websites.
We know how important IT is to your business and we will work hard as your trusted IT and telecom service provider to find the best solutions for you. Our IT support and solutions give you the assurance that your business technology will be robust, reliable, and cost-effective.
