A new dangerous scam involving QR codes has caused the FBI to issue a new major warning, as it could leave your personal and banking information at risk to cybercriminals and scammers.
While it's never been easier to stay safer in the tech world due to the security capabilities of almost every mainstream gadget, scammers and bad actors are always coming up with new ways to target individuals and steal their information.
Only recently did an entire company go bust due to one faulty password, and cybersecurity experts have issued countless warnings regarding suspicious emails that use links to direct people to malicious websites.
However, a new concerning trend has emerged revolving around packages and QR codes, leading the FBI to warn people to stay alert and avoid scanning away without thinking first.
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What is the FBI's new warning?
As reported by Digital Trends, the FBI has outlined an uptick in 'unsolicited packages' that contain QR codes designed to steal important information and even download malware onto the device of from anyone who scans them.
"The FBI warns the public about a scam variation in which criminals send unsolicited packages containing a QR code that prompts the recipient to provide personal and financial information or unwittingly download malicious software that steals data from their phone," reveals a new statement.
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This is part of a wider trend known as 'quishing', where scammers create fake QR codes to trick people into handing over fake information, but this specific instance is arguably harder to combat and easier to fall victim to.
The idea is that anyone who receives a package they weren't expecting would want to know why they've been sent it, and the handy and otherwise innocuous QR code on the box gives them a route to finding out more.
In scanning, you'll likely be sent to a fake site prompting you to enter information, or it could even automatically download malicious software onto your device, leaving you little chance to avoid an attack, so not scanning the code is the best course of action.
How to deal with QR codes on unknown packages
The FBI has provided a breakdown of what you should do if you receive one of these targeted QR packages, but first and foremost you must not scan the code on it even if it looks safe.
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Here is what the FBI suggests you should to do to stay protected from these attacks:
- Beware of unsolicited packages containing merchandise you did not order
- Beware of packages that do not include sender information
- Take precautions before authorizing phone permissions and access to websites and applications
- Do not scan QR codes from unknown origins
- Secure your online presence by changing account profiles and request a free credit report from one or all the national credit reporting agencies
You can also report any suggested attacks directly to the FBI, which should allow the agency to fight back against the senders and stop any further instances from appearing.