Beware: QR Code Scams Are On The Rise In Nevada
QR Code scams are on the rise in Nevada. The more technology advances, the more one needs to be wary of hackers, fraudsters, and scammers. Here are some tips to…
Image representing the rise in QR Code scams in Nevada.
Athitat Shinagowin via Getty ImagesQR Code scams are on the rise in Nevada. The more technology advances, the more one needs to be wary of hackers, fraudsters, and scammers. Here are some tips to keep yourself safe when scanning QR codes.
Tips To Avoid QR Code Scams In Public Places
QR codes, or “quick response codes,” are “scannable barcodes that will direct you to a website,” according to the Social Security Administration website. If you use a smart phone, they are easy to scan with your camera.
<sup>Close up of young woman hands using the smart phone to scan the QR Code to view the menu in a restaurant.</sup>
Furthermore, you never need to download an app in order to scan QR codes. Your phone’s camera can always do the job.
The first thing to remember is to be very careful when attempting to scan a QR code in a public space. The experts at QR Code Generator remind us to stop and ask ourselves some questions. Is it the real deal or has a fraudster placed a sticker over the original? Are there any other signs of tampering?
In fact, the QR code scam that is happening most frequently in and around Nevada occurs in public parking lots. When you’re directed to scan a QR code to make a payment for your parking space, be wary of scams.
If you doubt the validity of using a QR code to make a payment, you can usually do so by typing in the URL yourself. A URL is a “uniform resource locator,” more commonly known as a web address. It’s always safer to type it into a search bar yourself, rather than clicking a link or scanning a QR code.
In addition to parking lots, the folks at QR Code Generator state that these types of scams can occur in other public places. Examples include bars, restaurants, and shopping malls.
Tips To Avoid QR Code Scams In Emails, Texts, And Letters
Today’s scammers and hackers know how to entice you to click links in emails or texts to get your personal information or place malware on your device.
With this in mind, experts at QR Code Generator warn us that fraudsters can do the same types of scams using these codes. So, always be careful if emails, texts, or letters encourage you to scan a QR Code for a chance to win something or the offer of free goods or services.
In fact, they advise you to never scan a QR code in an email, text, or letter. It’s always safer to type in the web address yourself. Other clues which may tip you off to a possible scam include unprofessional looking design, poor grammar, misspellings, typos, and low-resolution images.
Las Vegas is certainly a tourist hotspot throughout the year, and these QR Code scams will be more prevalent in parking lots and near attractions, so be very careful.
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Larry Martino is the long-time afternoon drive personality on 96.3 KKLZ. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of Larry Martino and not necessarily those of Beasley Media Group, LLC.
