QR codes have seamlessly integrated into our daily lives, offering a quick and convenient way to access information, make payments, and connect with services. From restaurant menus to contactless payments, these small, square patterns have become a ubiquitous tool for businesses and consumers alike.
However, as their popularity grows, so does their appeal to cybercriminals. QR code scams are on the rise, exploiting the trust and convenience associated with these codes to deceive unsuspecting users. Common QR code scams aim to exploit these vulnerabilities, making it crucial to be aware of the risks.
This blog post aims to shed light on the nature of QR code scams, how they operate, and how you can protect yourself from falling victim to these malicious tactics.
What Are QR Code Scams?
QR code fraud involves the use of fraudulent QR codes to mislead users into visiting malicious websites, downloading harmful software, or providing sensitive personal information.
These scams take advantage of the fact that QR codes are typically scanned without much scrutiny, as users trust them to lead to legitimate content. Scammers can easily create fake QR codes using online tools, replacing authentic codes with their own to redirect users to phishing sites or prompt unauthorized downloads.
What Are The Consequences?
Falling for a malicious QR code can have several implications, often involving:
Personal Information Theft
When a bogus QR code is scanned, the victim is typically routed to a fraudulent website that impersonates a reputable firm. Not all QR codes are safe, and they can be used in scams that compromise users’ security. They are then prompted to provide personal information. Once this sensitive information is disclosed, scammers can steal and misuse it.
Financial Loss or Theft
These scams frequently result in victims losing money directly. QR code payment scams are a growing concern, where scammers place fraudulent QR codes in public spaces, tricking victims into providing their payment information through fake websites that appear legitimate.
This could occur through a payment made on the false site using the code, unauthorized transactions made using stolen card information, or identity theft.
Navigating the digital environment entails being aware of and prepared for these potential threats. The first step is to grasp the mechanisms of such scams and to remain attentive. In the following section of this blog, we will discuss how to defend yourself from such scams.
How Do Fake QR Code Scams Work?
Whilst QR codes are generally safe to use, QR scams are on the rise as malicious individuals find ways to use them for scams. Here is how they typically operate:
Replacing Genuine QR Codes
This method requires the physical replacement of genuine QR codes with fake ones. Imagine you’re in a local restaurant that uses a QR code system for menu access and order placement. However, a scammer has replaced the original QR code with a counterfeit one without anyone noticing.
When scanning QR codes to place your order, instead of accessing the menu, you are sent to the scammer’s phony website. This technology is commonly utilized at coffee shops, parking lots, retail malls, and other locations where QR codes may be easily replaced.
Source: Ojai Valley News
Enticing Users to Scan Phony QR Codes.
Another approach used by scammers is to send fake QR codes via email, text message, or social media. The emailed QR codes frequently include appealing incentives or rewards, luring potential victims into scanning them, as shown in the image below.
Types of QR Code Scams
QR code fraud can take various forms, each exploiting the simplicity and widespread use of QR codes. Here are some of the most common types:
QR Code Phishing Scams
In a typical QR code phishing attack, cybercriminals send an email that appears legitimate, often impersonating a trusted entity like a company’s HR department. The email contains a malicious QR code that, when scanned, redirects the user to a fake login page or a malicious website designed to steal credentials or personal information.
One notable aspect of QR code phishing is that the URL is not visible in the email body, making it difficult for traditional email security scans to detect the threat.
In the example below, instead of directly sharing a phishing link, the scammer is hiding it behind the QR code.
Source: Securelist
Parking QR Code Scams
Fake QR parking code scams, a subset of QR code payment scams, involve scammers placing fraudulent QR codes on parking meters, which, when scanned, direct users to unofficial payment websites. These sites mimic legitimate payment platforms, tricking users into entering their credit card information. The scammers then use this information to make unauthorized transactions or sell the data.
A recent case in Canada highlights the prevalence of this scam. Vincent Boucher, a resident of Red Deer, experienced a QR parking scam when he attempted to pay for parking using a QR code. After scanning the code, he noticed two payments of $4.26 were taken from his account by entities unrelated to the official parking service, HotSpot.
Upon reporting the issue to the city, he learned that similar complaints had been received since the introduction of the QR payment system.
The city advised users to ensure they are on the official HotSpot website before making payments and recommended using built-in phone cameras rather than third-party QR scanning apps, which can be more susceptible to scams.
Source: PYMNTS
Bank and Interac QR Code Scams
Interac e-transfer QR code scams, a form of qr code fraud, have been reported recently, with one notable case involving a Calgary family. They were defrauded out of $10,000 after attempting to sell a stroller on Facebook Marketplace.
The scammer sent them a QR code that appeared to be an Interac e-transfer. When the family scanned the code, it redirected them to a fraudulent website that mimicked their bank’s webpage. Believing it to be legitimate, they entered their bank account details, which allowed the scammer to access their account and transfer money out.
These scams typically involve fake QR codes that redirect victims to phishing sites designed to steal personal and financial information. It’s crucial to verify the authenticity of QR codes before scanning them, especially in financial transactions.
Source: Reddit
Restaurant QR Code Scams
Common QR code scams involve cybercriminals placing counterfeit QR codes in restaurants, which redirect users to fraudulent websites or apps. These scams exploit the convenience and widespread use of QR codes in restaurants, where they are often used to access menus, order food, or make payments.
The fraudulent QR codes can lead to phishing websites that mimic legitimate restaurant sites, prompting users to enter personal information or payment details, which scammers then exploit for identity theft or unauthorized transactions.
Source: WCVB
QR Codes on Unexpected Package Deliveries
QR code scams related to scanning QR codes on unexpected package deliveries are a growing concern. These scams typically involve the delivery of a package that the recipient did not order, often as part of a “brushing scam.”
Inside the package, or on the packaging, there is a QR code with instructions purportedly for returning the item or for more information about the order.
When scanned, this QR code directs the recipient to a phishing website designed to capture personal information such as names, addresses, account details, and even credit card numbers.
Another variation of this scam involves leaving a “missed package” notice on a recipient’s door with a QR code to reschedule the delivery. Scanning this code could lead to a site requesting personal information or payment of an additional shipping fee. These scams exploit the recipient’s curiosity and the appearance of legitimacy to trick them into providing sensitive information.
Recent cases have highlighted the use of these tactics. For example, scammers have been known to send fake package shipment notifications via mail or email, including QR codes that lead to malicious websites. These scams are part of a broader trend where QR codes are used to disguise harmful links, making it crucial for individuals to verify the source of QR codes before scanning them.
Source: LinkedIn
How to Recognize and Avoid QR Code Scams
Preventive Measures Against QR Code Scams
Verify the Source: Only scan QR codes from trusted sources to avoid falling victim to QR scams. If you receive a QR code from a company or individual you know, confirm its legitimacy before scanning.
Check the URL: After scanning a QR code, preview the URL to ensure it matches the expected destination. Be cautious of URLs that are misspelled or unfamiliar.
Use QR Code Scanner Apps: Consider using dedicated QR code scanner apps that can provide a preview of the link and check for safety before opening it.
Avoid Public QR Codes: Be wary of QR codes found in public places, especially if they are on stickers or can be easily tampered with.
Keep Software Updated: Ensure that your device’s operating system and security software are up to date to protect against malware that can be downloaded via malicious QR codes.
Be Cautious with Personal Information: Do not enter sensitive information, such as login credentials or credit card details, on websites accessed through QR codes unless you are certain of their legitimacy.
Steps to Take After Falling for a QR Code Scam
If you suspect you have scanned a malicious QR code and entered sensitive information or downloaded malware, take the following steps:
Change Passwords: Immediately update your passwords for any potentially compromised accounts. Use strong, unique passwords and consider using a password manager.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Add an extra layer of security to your accounts by enabling 2FA, preferably using an authenticator app.
Notify Financial Institutions: Contact your bank and credit card companies to report potential fraud. They can help secure your accounts and monitor for suspicious activity.
Set Up Fraud Alerts: Consider setting up fraud alerts or a credit freeze with major credit bureaus to prevent identity theft.
Scan for Malware: Use antivirus software to scan your device for malware. Disconnect from the internet to prevent data from being transmitted to hackers.
Monitor for Identity Theft: Keep an eye out for signs of identity theft, such as unexpected charges or account activity, and consider signing up for identity theft protection services.
How Microsoft Defender Detects and Prevents QR code Phishing
Microsoft Defender for Office 365 employs advanced techniques to combat QR code phishing. Here’s how Microsoft addresses these threats:
Image Detection: Microsoft uses image extraction technologies to detect QR codes during email flow. The system extracts URL metadata from QR codes and subjects it to thorough checks, including detonation and sandboxing, to identify potential threats before they reach users.
URL Analysis: URLs extracted from QR codes are analyzed using machine learning models and checked against both internal and external reputation sources. For Microsoft Defender for Office 365 Plan 1 and Plan 2 licenses, URLs are sandboxed for further investigation to assess risks.
Heuristics-based Rules: Microsoft deploys heuristic rules to detect and block malicious messages based on behavior patterns. These rules provide a flexible and rapid response to evolving attack patterns
Security Solutions to Detect QR Code Scams in Google Workspace Environments
MSPs like Wingman Solutions implement several security solutions to detect QR code phishing attacks for Google Workspace users. These solutions often involve integrating advanced cybersecurity platforms with Google Workspace’s native security features to provide comprehensive protection. Here are some key approaches:
Integration with Google APIs: We integrate our security platforms with Google Workspace APIs. This integration uses machine learning to analyze event information, identifying high-priority threats such as QR code phishing attacks.
Automated Threat Detection: We use automated threat detection systems powered by machine learning to analyze security events in real-time. This helps in identifying suspicious activities associated with QR codes and other potential phishing vectors.
Remote Monitoring and SOC Support: We offer remote monitoring through Security Operations Centers (SOC) to provide real-time threat analysis and remediation. This continuous monitoring helps in promptly detecting and responding to QR code phishing attempts.
Unified Security Interface: By offering a unified interface for managing security across multiple cloud environments, managed service providers enable organizations to have a cohesive view of their security posture, making it easier to detect anomalies such as unauthorized QR code usage.
Behavioral Profiling and Anomaly Detection: Providers employ behavioral profiling technologies to monitor Google Workspace usage in real-time, identifying changes in user behavior that may indicate phishing attempts involving QR codes.
Summing Up
QR codes offer undeniable convenience, but they also present opportunities for common QR code scams.
By understanding the nature of QR code scams and recognizing the warning signs, you can protect yourself from falling victim to these malicious tactics. Stay vigilant, use trusted tools, and prioritize your cybersecurity to enjoy the benefits of QR codes without compromising your safety.
