Fake QR codes: how to identify dangers?
QR codes have become a common sight in our daily lives, appearing on the menus of our favorite restaurants, the windows of bustling stores, and even some billboards. These little squares are a piece of technology that offers us the convenience of swiftly accessing websites and information with a quick and simple scan. However, a cybersecurity pitfall lies beneath those seemingly innocent things – QR code fakes.
In this age of digital interconnectedness, hackers have found a new playground for their mischief. Imagine a QR code casually placed in a public space, inviting you to scan and explore. But here’s the catch: a quick glance provides no insight into the hidden URL that awaits beneath the code’s black-and-white labyrinth. This inherent anonymity is precisely what cybercriminals exploit.
These fraudulent QR codes could direct you to malicious websites or trick you into revealing sensitive information. In short, it’s a bait-and-switch method for hackers to exploit the QR code amenity. This article will overview QR codes and how to protect yourself from malware lurking in them.
What are QR codes: fake vs. real
Imagine QR codes as the improved version of regular barcodes. While barcodes only share information in one direction, these Quick Response (QR) codes are basically the multitaskers of the code world. They scan data horizontally and vertically, thus fitting loads of information in one neat square.
That poses a question: what is inside a QR code? In general, QR codes contain all sorts of information, from cafe menus to detailed event schedules. For this reason, you often come across those little code squares on posters or products. The most common uses of QR codes are these:
- Opening a restaurant menu on your phone
- Confirming your reservation at venues, like SPA or a theme park
- Getting your boarding pass at the airport
Plus, their convenience proves to be practical, since QR Code Tiger states there were 6,825,842 scans globally in 2022 – a 433% increase since 2021.
However, fraud QR codes have emerged with the rise of this little technological marvel. In a nutshell, it’s a deceptive QR code that appears legitimate but redirects folks to malicious or unauthorized destinations when scanned. Because there is no immediate way to notice whether a QR code’s fake, it’s best to scan only those that appear in verified places or websites.
Luckily, scanning a fraudulent QR code might not end up in sabotage of your data thanks to a VPN (Virtual Private Network). It's one of the top-notch tools for preventing data harvesting. In fact, NordVPN's encryption and its ad & malware blocking Threat Protection actively shields you from opening faulty URLs or malicious sites.
How do fake QR codes work?
It’s easy to fall prey to fraud QR codes. After all, they masterfully trick users into visiting harmful sites, downloading malware, or revealing personal information to cybercriminals. No wonder these fakes exploit trust when it’s so convenient, endangering security and privacy.
Regardless, there are certain ways that fake QR codes operate. Here are the major ones you should look out for:
- Face-to-face QR scams
- The online marketplace method
- QR code fake crypto campaigns (Bitcoin)
- QR code phishing scams
- QR code viruses
Face-to-face QR code scams
In short, face-to-face scams involve someone approaching you with a clever story, urging you to scan a QR code in the context of the yarn. Typically, the typical case is tricking another into using the code for transferring money, which they promise to return in cash. Instead, scanning gives criminals access to their online banking, resulting in losses of hundreds of dollars.
This scamming campaign, also known as a ‘Stranger in Need,’ is most frequent in countries like the Netherlands. Still, these cases occur all over the world. The public approach and in-person pressure make anyone susceptible to face-to-face QR fraud, so be watchful.
The online marketplace method
Unfortunately, QR code fakes infest online marketplaces, too. Scammers pose as buyers, asking you to scan a QR code for a safe money transfer. In reality, you’re opening your bank to cybercriminals. At the moment, a similar scam thrives in India, involving small payments for trust, then using QR code scans to steal your money.
Use common sense in such situations: scanning a QR code only works to make payments, not to receive them. So, whenever you encounter situations where an online vendor tells you to scan the code to receive payment, know immediately it’s a scam.
QR code fake crypto campaigns (Bitcoin)
QR codes have a significant role in cryptocurrency and Bitcoin scams too. Cryptocurrency transactions often rely on QR codes for money transfers. Yet, beware – a tampered QR code can drain your funds. Take the giveaway scam as an example. Victims are lured into sending crypto to a Bitcoin wallet, promised to double their money. Sadly, only the initial transfer is true.
QR code phishing scams
Phishing might sound familiar if you have dabbled in cybersecurity topics before; essentially, it’s when cybercriminals take up sneaky methods to be someone you trust and steal sensitive data. You might get an email, flier, or social media message with a QR code. Scan it, and you’re taken to a page that asks for your personal or login details, like online banking information. Share these, and the attacker gains control.
Often phishing QR code fakes lead to unreliable websites that appear to belong to large and trustworthy organizations.
QR code viruses
Can scanning a QR code (fake, of course) give you a virus? Unfortunately, yes. Crafty cybercriminals can slip harmful links into QR codes, which lead to malware and viruses that jeopardize sensitive data.
Here's the tricky part – scanning the QR code often does the damage. Certain websites do automatic "drive-by downloads" of bad software as soon as you land on them. Imagine accidentally getting a keylogger on your device – it records everything you type, including your sensitive info.
Recently, Android users have been facing a QR code malware trick. Scanning led to a page offering a sneaky Trojan Horse disguised as a regular file. Once in, it sent pricey text messages (at $6 per pop) to a designated number. Guess who pockets the cash? Yep, the scammers. So stay aware and critical.
How to check if a QR code is safe
QR codes might carry risks, but it doesn’t mean you should ditch them altogether. There are several preventative measures you can take to protect yourself from QR code trickery:
- Be finicky with QR reader apps. Only choose from the most reputable options, and even better if they come with tools preventing phishing attempts and performing URL checks. One of the trusted picks is QuickMark.
- Add an extra shield to your phone. Take advantage of anti-malware and other cybersecurity tools, like antivirus or a robust VPN. Such installations will add a layer of protection when dealing with QR code fakes and scams.
- Scan QR codes in reputable places. Only scan QR codes present in trusted places, like restaurants, medical institutions, businesses, etc. And if doubts tickle your mind, a quick double-check with the source can save the day.
- Be extremely critical. Yes, reputable establishments are far more reliable, which is why scammers can put fake QR codes in such locations, too. Scan cautiously, double check.
- Watch out for odd requests. If a QR code asks for personal info post-scan, tread carefully. You might be facing a bad code unless you’re sure it’s legit.
If you make a habit out of these practices, you’ll be on constant vigilance and, therefore, much safer.
Tackle QR code fakes with a VPN
How to protect yourself from QR code fakes with a VPN
A trustworthy VPN is among your best allies in tackling scammers lurking behind fake QR codes. It’s a splendid companion for bolstering your overall security, especially if you choose the best of the best – NordVPN.
In general, a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is an effective cybersecurity software designed for scams like fake QR codes. It redirects your web connection through a protective tunnel cloaked by industry-leading AES-256 encryption. Imagine this as a fortress for your data, making it next to impossible for anyone to swipe your information. So, if you accidentally scan a sneaky QR code, scammers hit a wall of encryption – no loot for them!
However, a world-class service like NordVPN has more up its sleeve. This VPN is equipped with Threat Protection. In brief, it’s an ad & malware blocker that sniffs out those malicious sites and shields you from potential harm. So, you can rest assured that even if you scan a scammy QR code, you won’t suffer the consequences.
Buy the best VPN against QR code scams
How to set up a VPN on your mobile device
Should you decide to fetch yourself a VPN for bolstering the defenses and scan QR codes with no fear, then we have a quick guide for you.
- Subscribe to a reliable VPN service. Our #1 pick is NordVPN, offering streamlined apps for Android & iOS
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Download the VPN app from either Google Play Store or Apple App Store, then install it
- Connect to a server in any country that fits you best
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Enable Threat Protection in the VPN app settings
- Now you can scan QR codes without any worries!
Visit NordVPN for the best deal
Wrapping up
QR codes emerged years ago as an extremely handy means of accessing information or confirming appointments. However, it didn’t take long for nefarious scammers and hackers to take advantage of it. Now, it’s easy to scan a fake QR code by sheer accident, at the cost of our data if not worse. Luckily, you can be critical and use additional software on your mobile devices to dodge scammy QR code campaigns.
Among the top fighters against QR code fakes is a VPN. NordVPN takes the cake thanks to its well-rounded app, which is bustling with features. One of the features is the trusted ad-blocking Threat Protection, bolstering your device defenses. The service protects you actively through web encryption, halting you from entering malicious sites, clicking pop-ups, and more.
How do you deal with QR code fakes? Let us know by leaving a comment!
You may also like to read:
Top 6 tips for smartphone security
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Data encryption: a complete guide
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FAQ
What happens when you scan a fake QR code?
Scanning a malicious QR code could put malware on your phone, give scammers access to your accounts, data, and more. In fact, it may be hard to tell if a QR code is fake, so it's best to take precautionary steps. For instance, use a VPN, such as NordVPN, for added layers of encryption and prevention.
How can I check if a QR code is valid?
There are several ways to ensure a QR code is valid. First, make sure it's from a legitimate source, in a reputable establishment. Second, get a QR reading app that checks whether the URL behind a code is valid. You can pick from options like Quickmark or i-nigma.
What can hackers get access to if you scan a fake QR code?
If you scan a fake QR code, hackers can access sensitive data. That includes personal data such as account credentials, geolocation on your phone, your financial resources. In fact, some QR code scams immediately lure out the money from you, so be careful.
Can someone hack my account with QR code?
Fake QR codes embed URLs containing custom malware, a virus, or directs to a malicious site. Scammers may not be able to hack your device, but they get access to all sensitive data on the same gadget. However, this can be prevented with protective tools, like NordVPN and its Threat Protection feature.
