How to Avoid QR Code Scams This Halloween: Stay Safe While Scanning

QR codes are a quick and easy way to get information about events and services, but scammers are now using fake codes to trick consumers into giving up personal information.

Brian Cather, an internet security expert at CP Cyber, told FOX31 Problem Solvers that fake codes give scammers a way to increase their visibility without having access to individual email addresses or phone numbers.

“With a QR code, they can be walking on the sidewalk and they can see it on the wall and scan this out of plain curiosity,” Cather said.

QR code scams are popular during the Halloween season, when many events offer the code as a quick link to pay for tickets. Stickers with fake codes may also be placed on parking meters.

“It’s not usually downloading malicious files it’s asking you to do an action or provide information so once that page loads be cautious,” said Cather.

The fake code directs victims to links to fake websites set up to harvest personal information such as credit card, bank account and Social Security numbers.

“They are selling your information using it to steal identities scamming the people you love and you know,” Cather told Problem Solvers.

Cather told Problem Solvers that consumers can protect themselves by checking stickers for publicly available codes. Check to see if a QR code sticker covers the original sticker. Avoid using QR codes to make payments and check all website links for spelling mistakes. Always research and find websites yourself.