PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Next time you see a QR code, you may want to think twice before you scan it with your phone.
Quishing, an identity fraud scam, is taking off across the country. It’s where scammers tamper with or entirely replace QR codes.
Security Specialist Michael Gumbert with Mercer Bucks Technology says they are usually placed on parking meters, restaurants and traffic poles.
“When scanned, these codes can direct users to fraudulent websites to steal your valuable information or install malware on your device,” he said.
Gumbert says be sure to check for stickers over real codes and verify URLs and apps before sharing your personal information.
If you’re worried you scanned a fraudulent code and shared any credit card numbers or banking information, contact your financial institution immediately.
Gumbert says QR code scams are becoming increasingly common in the Philadelphia area.