How to Avoid QR scams and Protect Your Privacy
QR codes are everywhere, from menus to parking meters. But their convenience is being exploited by scammers. Here is how to keep your data safe.
The "Quishing" Threat
Quishing (QR Phishing) involves replacing legitimate QR codes with malicious ones. A common tactic is placing a sticker over the QR code on a parking meter or a restaurant menu.
When scanned, these codes lead to convincing phishing sites designed to steal your credit card info or login credentials.
Identify Malicious QR Links
Before clicking "Open Link" after scanning, look at the URL carefully. Scammers often use URL shorteners or domains that look similar to the real ones (e.g., yaykyi.co instead of yaykyi.com).
If the QR code is on a physical object, check if it's a sticker. Legitimate businesses usually print their codes directly on their signage.
"QR codes are powerful tools, but they require the same level of caution as clicking an link in a suspicious email. Scan mindfully."