FBI: Hackers Are Compromising Legit QR Codes to Send You to Phishing Sites
Watch out for fake QR codes at your favorite restaurant or shop. The FBI is warning that cybercriminals have been tampering with legitimate QR codes to try and trick unsuspecting users into loading up scam websites.
On Tuesday, the FBI issued the alert, warning that cybercriminals have been targeting both physical and digital QR codes. “A victim scans what they think to be a legitimate code but the tampered code directs victims to a malicious site, which prompts them to enter login and financial information,” the agency added.
The scheme exploits how QR codes have grown in popularity during the pandemic as a contactless way to access information. This can include scanning a QR code to view a restaurant’s menu or even place an order.
“However, cybercriminals are taking advantage of this technology by directing QR code scans to malicious sites to steal victim data, embedding malware to gain access to the victim's device, and redirecting payment for cybercriminal use,” the FBI said.
