How to Stay Away from QR Code Scams and Subscription Traps
QR code scams and subscription traps are becoming increasingly common these days. In a world that is becoming more and more digital, QR codes are useful for many things, from restaurant lists to payment systems. But scammers have found ways to take advantage of this ease for their own gain, as they do with many new technologies. Using QR codes to trick users into unwanted contracts or other scams is one of the sneakiest ways to do it. This is how you can keep yourself safe from these dangers.
How QR Code Scams and Subscription Traps Work: How to Understand the Threat
QR codes, which stand for “Quick Response,” connect the real world to the digital world. When you scan a QR code with your phone, you can go straight to a website, payment method, or digital content. Scammers love them because they are so easy to use, though.
Scammers often change real QR codes with fake ones or make their own that look like they came from a reliable source. These numbers can do the following when scanned:
1. Send you to fake websites: Even though these sites look real, they are actually scams that are meant to steal your personal information, like credit card numbers.
2. Set up rogue software to download automatically: When you scan a QR code, malware or bugs could be downloaded, which could put your device and data at risk.
3. Sign you up for services you don’t want: One very dishonest trick is to get people to sign up for recurring payments to services they’ve never heard of, which charges their credit cards without their knowledge.
How to Spot Fake QR Codes
It’s important to be careful and aware of the following warning signs to avoid falling for QR code scams:
- Sources You May Not Know: When scanning QR codes from sites you don’t know or trust, be careful. Scammers often put fake QR codes on ads or in public places to get people to fall for their tricks.
- There is no process for verification: Before they finish a deal or sign you up for a service, legitimate services usually give you some kind of confirmation or summary. It’s a bad sign if scanning a QR code gets you straight to a payment or subscription page without giving you any other information.
- “Strange URLs”: After scanning a QR code, check the URL it goes to before you do anything else. Don’t go through with it if it seems odd, has a lot of numbers or letters, or isn’t the name or service you remember.
- Tactics for Pressure”: Scammers often use a sense of urgency to get people to make quick choices. If scanning the QR code brings up a message telling you to act right away, like claiming a limited-time deal, be careful.
How to Keep Yourself Safe
Taking the following steps can make it much less likely that you will fall for a QR code scam:
- Use a QR scanner that has safety features: Some QR code reading apps or features built into smartphones check the URL before opening it to add extra security. This can let you know about links that look sketchy.
- Type in URLs by hand: If a QR code takes you to a page where you can pay or sign up, you might want to type the URL into your browser instead of scanning it. This makes it less likely that you will be sent to a fake site.
- Check for Tampering: Look for signs of tampering on QR codes in public places. A scammer might put their fake codes on top of real ones. Don’t read the QR code if it looks like it was changed or stuck on top of something else.
- Keep an eye on your bank statements: Check your bank and credit card records often for charges you don’t recognise. You should call your bank right away to challenge the charge if you see a subscription you didn’t sign up for.
- Upgrade your security software: Maintain the OS and any security apps on your phone up to date to shield against malware that could be sent by a QR code.
- Educate yourself and others: Letting other people know about the risks and these scams can help keep them from falling for the same ones.
What to Do If Someone Scams You
If you think you’ve been a victim of a QR code scam:
- Get in touch with your bank: Tell your bank or credit card company right away about any charges you didn’t make. They can help you stop payments from going through and might be able to wipe out some charges.
- Log in with a new password: If you entered your login information after reading a sketchy QR code, you need to change your passwords right away. Be sure that each account has its own strong password.
- Report the Scam: Tell the police or consumer protection agencies in your area about the scam. Reporting the crime can help keep others from becoming victims.
- Get rid of malware: If you think that viewing a QR code put malware on your device, use your antivirus software to find and get rid of any malicious files.
Final Thoughts
There are some risks that come with QR codes, even though they make it quick and easy to get to digital material. Using common sense, staying alert, and the steps above will help you enjoy the ease of QR codes without getting scammed. Remember that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. This is especially true when it comes to QR codes that you didn’t ask for.
Sarah Waddington Solicitors
Sarah Waddington Solicitors do NOT work with any 3rd parties and are not working in partnership with any other companies.
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Finally, remember any genuine solicitor will be extremely careful to manage a client’s expectations. They will be honest and realistic with what could possibly be achieved in regard to your individual case. If someone claiming to be a lawyer or solicitor has been in contact, be sure to do your research and check if they are regulated by the SRA and if the individual is registered as a solicitor.