FBI Warns of ‘Widespread’ QR Code Scams by Cybercriminals to Steal Your Money
2/17/2024
Updated:
2/18/2024
The FBI has issued a new warning to Americans that they should exercise caution when scanning QR codes with their smartphones because cybercriminals tamper with the codes to steal login and financial information.
A QR code—the square barcode that people can scan with their smartphone cameras—can provide quick and convenient access to a website or to a direct payment to an intended recipient.
Businesses use QR codes to provide contactless access to services, for instance, enabling access to restaurant menu items on a smartphone that can then be conveniently ordered.
However, the FBI stated in an initial alert in late January that it discovered that cybercriminals were tampering with both the physical and digital QR codes to swap them for malicious codes that, when scanned, pose a risk to users.
“Unfortunately, they’re relatively widespread,” Stephanie Walker, assistant section chief of the FBI Cyber Division, told ABC News on Feb. 16, with the agency reiterating its call for people to use caution when scanning QR codes.
Criminals use modified malicious QR codes to direct people to malicious sites to steal their data, break into victims’ devices by embedding malware on them, or redirect payments for immediate financial gain.
Walker said.
“It can also drop some sort of computer intrusion type software that can alter your phone and steal credentials.”
The FBI explained in its earlier alert that, after gaining access to a person’s credentials and other financial information, cybercriminals can use it to withdraw funds from victim accounts.
“Law enforcement cannot guarantee the recovery of lost funds after transfer,” the FBI stated.
The FBI’s El Paso division said in September 2023 that the agency began receiving reports in 2022 that people were falling victim to QR code scams, with cryptocurrency fraud being an area of particular concern.
Because crypto transactions are often made through QR codes associated with crypto accounts, that makes such transactions “easy marks,” the FBI said at the time.
Scammers were found to be using malicious QR codes and gift cards as part of a single ploy.
“Scammers may call and say they’re going to send a QR code to your phone so you can receive a free $100 gift card. In reality, the QR code may take you to a malicious website,” the FBI’s El Paso division stated.
“If you make a payment through a bad QR code, it’s difficult, if not impossible, to get those funds back.”
Protecting Yourself
The FBI offered several tips to avoid becoming the victim of a QR code scam.
First of all, the agency says that people should ensure that the website address, or URL, that pops up when a QR is scanned appears legitimate and is the intended site. Malicious domains may mimic the intended URL but have slight alterations such as typos or misplaced letters.
People are also urged to exercise caution when providing sensitive information after scanning a QR code, especially login or financial details.
The FBI says that, when scanning a physical QR code, people should verify that the code hasn’t been tampered with, such as by adding a sticker on top.
Also, the agency cautions against downloading apps directly from QR codes. Instead, the FBI says people should rely on their phone’s app store for safer downloads.
If prompted to complete a payment via QR code in an email claiming a failed transaction, people should contact the company directly to confirm the authenticity of the message, according to the FBI. They should also obtain the company’s contact details from a trusted source, not from the email containing the QR code.
Further, people should avoid downloading QR code scanner apps to minimize the risk of malware. Most smartphones have built-in QR code scanning features in camera apps.
In general, the FBI recommends that people avoid making payments through a site navigated from a QR code. Instead, manually entering a known and trusted URL to complete the payment is a safer option.
https://www.theepochtimes.com/us/fbi-warns-of-widespread-qr-code-scams-cybercriminals-use-to-steal-your-money-5589209?autoemail=mnshires%40gmail.com&utm_source=deployer&utm_medium=email&utm_content=&utm_campaign=new&utm_term=
2/17/2024
Updated:
2/18/2024
The FBI has issued a new warning to Americans that they should exercise caution when scanning QR codes with their smartphones because cybercriminals tamper with the codes to steal login and financial information.
A QR code—the square barcode that people can scan with their smartphone cameras—can provide quick and convenient access to a website or to a direct payment to an intended recipient.
Businesses use QR codes to provide contactless access to services, for instance, enabling access to restaurant menu items on a smartphone that can then be conveniently ordered.
However, the FBI stated in an initial alert in late January that it discovered that cybercriminals were tampering with both the physical and digital QR codes to swap them for malicious codes that, when scanned, pose a risk to users.
“Unfortunately, they’re relatively widespread,” Stephanie Walker, assistant section chief of the FBI Cyber Division, told ABC News on Feb. 16, with the agency reiterating its call for people to use caution when scanning QR codes.
Criminals use modified malicious QR codes to direct people to malicious sites to steal their data, break into victims’ devices by embedding malware on them, or redirect payments for immediate financial gain.
Walker said.
“It can also drop some sort of computer intrusion type software that can alter your phone and steal credentials.”
The FBI explained in its earlier alert that, after gaining access to a person’s credentials and other financial information, cybercriminals can use it to withdraw funds from victim accounts.
“Law enforcement cannot guarantee the recovery of lost funds after transfer,” the FBI stated.
The FBI’s El Paso division said in September 2023 that the agency began receiving reports in 2022 that people were falling victim to QR code scams, with cryptocurrency fraud being an area of particular concern.
Because crypto transactions are often made through QR codes associated with crypto accounts, that makes such transactions “easy marks,” the FBI said at the time.
Scammers were found to be using malicious QR codes and gift cards as part of a single ploy.
“Scammers may call and say they’re going to send a QR code to your phone so you can receive a free $100 gift card. In reality, the QR code may take you to a malicious website,” the FBI’s El Paso division stated.
“If you make a payment through a bad QR code, it’s difficult, if not impossible, to get those funds back.”
Protecting Yourself
The FBI offered several tips to avoid becoming the victim of a QR code scam.
First of all, the agency says that people should ensure that the website address, or URL, that pops up when a QR is scanned appears legitimate and is the intended site. Malicious domains may mimic the intended URL but have slight alterations such as typos or misplaced letters.
People are also urged to exercise caution when providing sensitive information after scanning a QR code, especially login or financial details.
The FBI says that, when scanning a physical QR code, people should verify that the code hasn’t been tampered with, such as by adding a sticker on top.
Also, the agency cautions against downloading apps directly from QR codes. Instead, the FBI says people should rely on their phone’s app store for safer downloads.
If prompted to complete a payment via QR code in an email claiming a failed transaction, people should contact the company directly to confirm the authenticity of the message, according to the FBI. They should also obtain the company’s contact details from a trusted source, not from the email containing the QR code.
Further, people should avoid downloading QR code scanner apps to minimize the risk of malware. Most smartphones have built-in QR code scanning features in camera apps.
In general, the FBI recommends that people avoid making payments through a site navigated from a QR code. Instead, manually entering a known and trusted URL to complete the payment is a safer option.
https://www.theepochtimes.com/us/fbi-warns-of-widespread-qr-code-scams-cybercriminals-use-to-steal-your-money-5589209?autoemail=mnshires%40gmail.com&utm_source=deployer&utm_medium=email&utm_content=&utm_campaign=new&utm_term=
Today at 8:06 am by Rocky
» A deputy in finance expects the Council of Ministers to approve the budget schedules in today’s sess
Today at 8:02 am by Rocky
» A deputy resolves the controversy over the “transfer supplement” in two ministries
Today at 8:01 am by Rocky
» Al-Halbousi’s “vacant” seat.. Will the coordination framework end the “Taqaddum” dream of an allianc
Today at 7:59 am by Rocky
» The Federal Government issues a state order to stop the Commission’s work procedures regarding the K
Today at 7:57 am by Rocky
» Including the freedom to choose the bank and withdraw the salary for “free”... “My Account” features
Today at 7:55 am by Rocky
» The Central Bank sells more than $250 million during its daily auction
Today at 7:51 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani receives a delegation from the Union of Arab Banks
Today at 7:44 am by Rocky
» Iraq and the United States of America hold trade meetings in Washington
Today at 7:43 am by Rocky
» In pictures... The activities of the Union of Arab Banks conference in Baghdad, “Day Two”
Today at 7:42 am by Rocky
» The Director General of Ports announces the completion of berths (3) and (4) in Al-Faw Grand Port
Today at 7:40 am by Rocky
» The Council of Ministers holds its regular session headed by Al-Sudani
Today at 7:38 am by Rocky
» Parliament publishes the agenda of its session for next Thursday
Today at 7:37 am by Rocky
» A government measure to reduce "money laundering" using the buying and selling of real estate in Ira
Today at 7:35 am by Rocky
» Iraq proposes establishing a specialized council to combat corruption in Arab countries
Today at 7:32 am by Rocky
» Al-Mawarid intends to establish infrastructure and investment projects for the water sector in Iraq
Today at 7:30 am by Rocky
» The Federal Court issues a decision regarding postponing the election of the Speaker of the House of
Today at 7:28 am by Rocky
» utube 5/4/24 MM&C Iraq Dinar- IQD Update - No Float of Exchange Rate - Budget -2024 - Schedules -
Today at 5:18 am by Rocky
» utube MM&C 5/7/24 Iraq Dinar- IQD Update - Regional Trade - A Progession of Reforms - A Global Bac
Today at 5:17 am by Rocky
» A government meeting to discuss financing and implementation mechanisms for the Development Road Pro
Today at 5:12 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani: Iraqi banks are on the right track with financial transfers
Today at 5:11 am by Rocky
» Al-Khazali: The Turkish side is still imposing its conditions on Iraq
Today at 5:08 am by Rocky
» Rights: We refuse to amend the bylaws of Parliament under political influence and desires
Today at 5:07 am by Rocky
» Nechirvan Barzani: We want to address all problems with Iran and begin a new phase of relations
Today at 5:05 am by Rocky
» Today, Iraq and Iran signed the minutes of a joint meeting related to trade
Today at 5:03 am by Rocky
» KPMG International begins auditing the revenues of telephone companies operating in Iraq
Today at 5:02 am by Rocky
» Oil: The seventh batch of equipment for the gas manufacturing project in the Nasiriyah and Gharraf f
Today at 5:01 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani assures the French ambassador of Iraq’s openness to “fruitful” partnerships
Today at 5:00 am by Rocky
» Government move to install gold screening devices at 4 airports
Today at 4:59 am by Rocky
» Sudanese Advisor: The oil sector is witnessing a rapid renaissance
Today at 4:58 am by Rocky
» Opening offices specialized in employing people with disabilities
Today at 4:57 am by Rocky
» Infrastructure and investment projects for the water sector in Iraq
Today at 4:56 am by Rocky
» Adopting the electronic system in the next census
Today at 4:55 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani chairs the first meeting to restructure the government apparatus
Today at 4:54 am by Rocky
» Business Council: Efforts to open a branch of the Chinese Bank in Iraq
Today at 4:53 am by Rocky
» Iraqi diplomacy is balanced openness
Today at 4:52 am by Rocky
» The head of the Integrity Commission told Al-Sabah: We are the people’s eyes on the government and s
Today at 4:51 am by Rocky
» Baghdad Provincial Council: The capital is facing a new urban and service phase
Today at 4:49 am by Rocky
» Customs, security and economic aspects
Today at 4:48 am by Rocky
» Central Governor: We face “increasing challenges” in complying with international laws
Today at 4:48 am by Rocky
» Payment of end-of-service benefits to employees referred to retirement for the month of May
Today at 4:46 am by Rocky
» Billions “evaporated”.. What is the truth about closing the “theft of the century” file in Diyala?
Today at 4:45 am by Rocky
» The Minister of Labor approves the extinguishment of debts owed by transgressors from the families o
Today at 4:43 am by Rocky
» How did Washington comment on Nechirvan Barzani's visit to Tehran?
Today at 4:42 am by Rocky
» The honeymoon is over and the salary crisis continues. Baghdad and Erbil exchange accusations, but s
Today at 4:41 am by Rocky
» Why has Iraq not submitted a file to stop burning gas over the past years?
Today at 4:39 am by Rocky
» A slight increase in the exchange rate...more than 146 thousand per 100 dollars
Today at 4:38 am by Rocky
» Do Iraq's debts pose a threat to the economy? Parliament answers
Today at 4:37 am by Rocky
» Agriculture explains the mechanism of implementing the calendar program and its economic gains
Today at 4:36 am by Rocky
» President Masoud Barzani meets an Iraqi parliamentary delegation
Today at 4:34 am by Rocky
» Parliamentary criticism of the government’s delay in sending the budget schedules despite the approa
Today at 4:33 am by Rocky
» A report reveals the existence of an undeclared “Iraqi-British” agreement regarding asylum seekers
Today at 4:32 am by Rocky
» Alternative energy... advanced stages of the largest solar energy station in Iraq
Today at 4:31 am by Rocky
» Its delay raised concerns... it is likely that the 2024 budget schedules will be approved today
Today at 4:30 am by Rocky
» The industry reveals the reasons why Russian companies stopped reconstructing 7 factories in Anbar
Today at 4:29 am by Rocky
» Billions evaporated.. What is the truth about closing the theft of the century file in Diyala?
Today at 4:28 am by Rocky
» Nouri Al-Maliki to the Saudi Ambassador: Iraq is open to all countries of the world
Today at 4:26 am by Rocky
» An Iraqi generation that “does not fear” America and Iran.. Nadim Al-Jabri explains his expectations
Today at 4:25 am by Rocky
» After 9 years.. the third session of the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement between Iraq and A
Today at 4:22 am by Rocky
» “These are our goals.” The Turkish President talks about his visit to Iraq last month
Today at 4:21 am by Rocky
» Romanowski: The Iraqi judiciary is independent and the Federal Court seeks to consolidate democracy
Today at 4:19 am by Rocky
» Deputy: The presidency of Parliament will remain vacant until the end of the current session
Today at 4:17 am by Rocky
» Political: The Iraqi economy is threatened by American hegemony because of the coordination administ
Today at 4:16 am by Rocky
» Politician: Salem Al-Issawi will not become Speaker of Parliament
Today at 4:15 am by Rocky
» Planning reveals the mechanism for examining gold in local markets
Today at 4:14 am by Rocky
» Including railway connectivity and water shares... Iraq and Iran are discussing a number of common i
Today at 4:12 am by Rocky
» Oil is preparing to export gas oil after achieving self-sufficiency
Today at 4:11 am by Rocky
» Trade is preparing to hold a number of specialized exhibitions in Baghdad and the provinces
Today at 4:09 am by Rocky
» Erdogan: Our goal is to raise the volume of trade with Iraq to more than 20 billion dollars
Today at 4:08 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani confirms Iraq's openness to fruitful partnerships with French companies
Today at 4:07 am by Rocky
» Determining the launch date for the activities of the 48th session of the Baghdad International Fair
Today at 4:06 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani receives a delegation from the Union of Arab Banks
Today at 4:05 am by Rocky
» utube 5/3/24 MM&C Iraq Dinar Update - Expectation - Implementation - Activation - New Exchange Rat
Yesterday at 7:30 am by Rocky
» “Services” asks the Central Bank about billions of foreign banks in Iraq
Yesterday at 7:27 am by Rocky
» Central Bank: Iraqi banks still face challenges in complying with international laws and standards
Yesterday at 7:24 am by Rocky
» Parliamentary bloc: The Central Bank offers hard currency to “mafias” on a golden platter.. The Suda
Yesterday at 7:20 am by Rocky
» The Iraqi Central Auction witnesses a rise in foreign remittances to $267 million
Yesterday at 7:19 am by Rocky
» Wednesday.. The session to elect the President of the Iraqi Parliament is heading towards “Al-Issawi
Yesterday at 7:14 am by Rocky
» The Union of Arab Banks proposes 4 “important” points for Iraqi banks to meet compliance standards
Yesterday at 7:12 am by Rocky
» In the document... the Central Bank decides to return the “Al-Mal” Bank to work... in this case
Yesterday at 7:08 am by Rocky
» The Iraqi-American agreements and cooperation were the most prominent topics of Al-Araji and Romanow
Yesterday at 7:06 am by Rocky
» Al-Hakim meets a joint delegation of resolve and sovereignty and renews the call to hold a session t
Yesterday at 7:05 am by Rocky
» Nearly one billion dinars were recovered and 3 million liters of fuel intended for smuggling in Iraq
Yesterday at 7:03 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani and the European Union ambassador discuss issues of economic partnerships, civil aviation,
Yesterday at 6:59 am by Rocky
» More than 950 million dinars... petroleum products announced their recovery
Yesterday at 6:57 am by Rocky
» Forming a committee to follow up on stopping the sale of the dollar to travelers
Yesterday at 6:54 am by Rocky
» The Minister of Justice visits Al-Muthanna Governorate to discuss mechanisms for developing judicial
Yesterday at 6:52 am by Rocky
» Agriculture: Farmers who were affected by the recent rains will be compensated
Yesterday at 6:51 am by Rocky
» Al-Rasheed issues a warning regarding applying for advances and loans
Yesterday at 6:49 am by Rocky
» Al-Rafidain announces the implementation of the comprehensive banking system in its main branch
Yesterday at 5:24 am by Rocky
» Al-Rasheed warns of offices and pages claiming to promote the Salaf
Yesterday at 5:22 am by Rocky
» Adviser to the Prime Minister: There are no conflicts in the route of the Baghdad Metro
Yesterday at 5:19 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani: We are keen to develop the work of the TBI Bank and address the problems it faces
Yesterday at 5:18 am by Rocky
» Agriculture explains the mechanism of implementing the calendar program and its economic gains
Yesterday at 5:17 am by Rocky
» “The shocks have changed.” The Governor of the Central Bank explains the impact of the openness of I
Yesterday at 5:16 am by Rocky
» The President of the Association of Private Banks sends an “important” invitation to the Central Ban
Yesterday at 5:15 am by Rocky
» Al-Alaq: The Iraqi banking sector has witnessed significant qualitative developments in response to
Yesterday at 5:12 am by Rocky
» On behalf of Al-Sudani, the Minister of Planning sponsors the signing ceremony of a memorandum of un
Yesterday at 5:11 am by Rocky
» The Iraqi Travel Companies Association participates in the Arab Travel Market Exhibition
Yesterday at 5:10 am by Rocky