The FBI has a QR code warning: QR code scams are on the rise as con artists try to get your banking information or hold your smartphone hostage.
CHICAGO -- The ABC7 I-Team has an alert about QR code cons: fake codes being created to rip you off.
The FBI issued a QR code warning that says criminals are putting stickers of fake QR codes over the real ones on restaurant tables or flyers. They're also sending them out via email claiming to offer deals or promotions. "One of two things could happen - one is, you're just sending scammers your parking meter money, which that's actually the best case scenario," warns Mashable Technology Journalist Matt Binder."The worst-case scenario is when you input your information to pay, and you're not actually paying, you're just sending over your credit card information or banking account information to the scammers.
"If your phone downloads that malware, you're at the mercy of the scammers, they could hold your information for ransom. Or they could just shut your phone down. They could steal photographs that are on that phone. You have a lot of vulnerabilities, our cell phones our lives right now," Binder said."Treat QR codes like you treat suspicious phishing emails, or text messages from people you don't know," advises Binder.