Are QR Codes Safe to Use?
QR Codes are omnipresent these days, seamlessly integrating into our lives and offering the convenience of accessing information with a scan. However, beneath this convenience lurks the shadow of the uncertainty–Are QR Codes safe?
I have written many articles on QR Code creation, and one of the most common questions I get is about the safety of using QR Codes. Hence, this article is focused on answering and addressing your QR Code safety-related concerns.
QR Code scams have become common and increased 2400% since May 2023. These scams attempt to distribute malware, hack bank accounts, and rob people. In this article, I will be discussing QR Code scams and how to navigate through them.
Types of QR Code scams
QR Code scams are growing rapidly, and it is time you become aware of their types:
Some of the common ways that fraudsters use QR Codes to scam people are:
- Placing fraudulent QR Codes on parking meters
- Tampering QR Codes in restaurants
- QR Codes on unexpected package deliveries
- Sending QR Codes over social media
- Listing QR Code scanner apps that download malware
- Posing as a buyer for an online listing and sending a QR Code for payment initiation
Here are the types of QR Code scams, each with different tactics to exploit users:
Phishing scams: These are known as QR Code phishing or quishing. This scam redirects users to malicious websites or forms to steal their sensitive financial and personal data and login credentials. Scammers use QR Codes that look legitimate and often mimic a trusted brand but are malicious in disguise.
Malware distribution: In this scam, hackers distribute malware on devices using QR Codes. This compromises security, leading to data breaches, system damage, and, most often, financial loss.
Fake promotions and discounts: Scammers create fake QR Codes promising discounts, deals, and freebies to lure customers. They redirect users to apps or websites that collect their personal information or install malware to scam the scanners.
Unauthorized payments: QR Codes are also used to initiate unauthorized transactions for cheating people. Attackers tamper with legitimate QR Codes or use QR Codes to redirect payments into their accounts.
Steps to take if you scanned a scam QR Code
Let’s assume you inadvertently scanned a scam QR Code despite taking all the precautions.
Now what?
Follow these steps quickly if you have scanned a QR Code and feel it may be a scam.
If you have scanned a QR Code and entered any sensitive data
Step 1: Immediately change your passwords
- Update all your login information immediately
- Create new, long, secure passwords
- You can also use a password manager tool, which secures your password and alerts you if the site is compromised
- Enable 2-factor authentication on your accounts
Step 2: Freeze all your accounts
- Immediately contact your banks and freeze your accounts, credit cards, and debit cards if you have entered your information
- Notify your bank about the possible scam and close the accounts to set up new accounts
Step 3: Keep an eye on warnings of identity threats
- Along with monetary scams, criminals use your personal information to access your accounts.
- Keep an eye out for failed login attempt emails, missing emails, and unexpected charges on your credit cards, even if it is just a cent.
If you have scanned a QR Code which downloaded malware
Step 1: Disconnect the internet immediately to reduce the chances of the malware sending your personal information to the hacker.
Step 2: Keep a backup of your essential files in case hackers delete your device’s data and use your information to blackmail you.
Step 3: Change passwords immediately. Follow the steps mentioned in “If you have scanned a QR Code and entered any sensitive data.”
Step 4: Scan your device for malware using authentic anti-malware software
Steps to check if your QR Code is safe to scan
You may develop some aversion towards QR Codes after reading so many ways you can get cheated. But instead of avoiding QR Codes or any digital tools that make your life easy, learn to identify threats. Equip yourself with the correct information and be prepared.
Step 1: Check the QR Code source
Before scanning, check the source from which you received the QR Code. Scammers impersonate reputed brands to scam users into scanning QR Codes through emails, messages, and unknown sources. Ensure that the source is authentic before scanning.
Step 2: Check design and branding
Brands create customized QR Codes for their branding and add logos and colors to trigger brand recall. Check the brand’s original page for branding details and if the QR Code redirects you to the brand’s URL. Never scan unbranded, unknown QR Codes.
Step 3: Check for signs of tampering
Carefully examine the QR Code for signs of tampering or any alteration. Scammers replace the original QR Code and stick their malicious QR Code to redirect the scanners to phishing websites.
Step 4: Examine the URL
If your QR contains a website URL, type it manually on your web browser instead of scanning it directly. This will allow you to inspect the QR Code for authenticity. If the URL reads weird or is shorter, be extra cautious.
Step 5: Check the destination site
Check the destination site very carefully if you have scanned a QR Code. Check the website for misspellings like those in the image, unprofessional designs, and poor images. Always check the site information on your browser to ensure it is safe.
Step 6: Be cautious of QR Codes in public places
It is difficult to ascertain if a QR Code is fake just by looking at it. Follow the above steps and avoid scanning QR Codes in public spaces unprotected by security measures. For example, avoid scanning random QR Codes stuck at the metro station for sign-up discounts.
How to pick a safe QR Code generator
Your business requires you to make safe choices, and since QR Codes are indispensable business tools, it is crucial to take utmost care when generating QR Codes. Choose a QR Code generator that gives you:
- Options to customize your QR Code to reflect your brand identity and allow you to use your domain
- Log in with SSO and restrict unauthorized logins by setting permissions for a few trusted employees
- GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) compliance to protect customer information from unauthorized third-party websites
- Option to create password-protected QR Codes
- Option for authorized user access to verify customer identity
- Anamolous scan detection to monitor inconsistent scan behaviors
Uniqode is a QR Code generator tool you can trust. Providing all the above-mentioned safety features, Uniqode ensures your QR Codes stay protected against phishing and hacks.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining vigilance and ensuring the safety of QR Codes is paramount today. By understanding the risks associated with QR Codes, you can implement proactive measures to verify their legitimacy.
It is essential to stay educated and updated about QR Code security practices and choose tools like Uniqode for your secure QR Code generation.
