How to Detect and Avoid Fake QR Codes
Fake QR codes can steal your money, hack your device, or steal your identity, turning the scanning process into a nightmare.
Technically, QR codes are safe. But here's the thing: with great technological advancements come great cybersecurity risks.
QR codes in the wrong hands can lead scanners to malicious websites, download malware, and send phishing emails.
These fraudulent codes have one goal: to trick scanners into providing their personal information and allowing access to their device.
But don’t worry! In this guide, we will show you how to easily detect these fraudulent QR codes and avoid them like a pro. Let’s dive in.
What Are Fake QR Codes?
Technically, there are no “fake” quick response (QR) codes. QR codes generated via online QR code generators are safe, so you won’t be directly harmed by following a fake electronic business card.
What makes them “fake” and dangerous is how fraudsters use them to deceive people for their nefarious purposes. Typically, they forge or replace QR codes with fraudulent ones to redirect scanners to sites where their confidential information is vulnerable to cyberattacks.
In simple terms, these are QR codes that have been forged for illegal activities, such as stealing personal information, conducting unauthorized transactions, and infecting your devices with malware.
How Does a Fake QR Code Work?
Fraudulent or malicious QR codes are those that have been forged or replaced by cybercriminals. This makes them unsuspecting to ordinary people and makes them look like legitimate QR codes.
What makes it even more challenging is that these fake codes are hidden in plain sight or in places where they are commonly found. For example, they can be disguised as a payment QR code, which unsuspecting scanners use to make payments, sending money to the fraudsters instead of legitimate merchants.
More and more QR scammers are making headlines. That’s why it’s so important to learn how to check if it’s safe to scan and use a QR code.
How to Detect Fake QR Codes Like a Detective
Fake QR codes are becoming more common. In fact, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has repeatedly warned that since 2022, the number of fake codes has been on the rise. QR code statistics have also revealed that cases of QR code phishing increased by 51% in 2023.
This is a wake-up call. That’s why it’s so important to know how to detect these malicious codes like a detective. Here’s how you can do it like a pro:
Look for Obvious Signs of QR Code Forgery
If a QR code looks suspicious, do not scan it. Before scanning a code, it is recommended to first check its physical condition. If there are visible signs of tampering rather than normal wear and tear, it is strongly advised not to scan it.
If you are paying with QR codes, request another QR code stand without visible signs of forgery. If it is not available, choose an alternative payment method, such as debit and credit cards or good old cash.
Check the QR Code URL
Most modern smartphones display a preview of the QR code link before actually redirecting users to the website. Always check the legitimacy of the link in the URL preview.
One of the most common signs of a legitimate QR code link from a trusted QR code generator is that it starts with "https://" or has a lock symbol at the beginning of the URL.
Even if the link was generated using a URL shortener, it should follow this URL structure, as this is a key indicator that the link is safe and reliable.
Analyze the Landing Page
As fraudsters become more sophisticated in circumventing these security measures, it is important to carefully check the landing page of the URL.
Since URLs cannot be duplicated, fraudsters often make typographical errors or add an extra letter in the middle of the URL to make it appear authentic.
Check the page carefully for errors before doing anything else, no matter how trustworthy or aesthetically pleasing the landing page appears.
Evaluate the Source of the QR Code
Before scanning a QR code sent to you by email, analyze it first. No matter how good it looks, it should be obvious that there are signs of email fraud.
For example, a brand’s email address often contains the brand name. If it is a generic address like “gmail.com” or “outlook.com,” it is likely a scam.
Logos, headers, grammar, and other factors can also be inconsistent. Check carefully before scanning a QR code sent via email or text messages.
Check the QR Code Branding
Not all generic QR codes and links are unreliable. But there is a high chance that QR codes without branding are fake.
A QR code expert says that personalized or branded QR codes can speed up QR scanning by 80%. Branding a QR code gives your code identity and trust.
Ask yourself: would you scan a generic QR code or a branded QR code with the brand’s logo? Personalized QR codes look more easily scannable and trustworthy to the naked eye.
QR codes have become an integral part of our lives, facilitating payments, obtaining information, and interacting with the world around us. However, as their popularity grows, so do cybersecurity risks. Fake QR codes can cause significant harm to your finances and personal data.
By following the recommendations in this guide, you can effectively recognize and avoid fake QR codes. Be vigilant and cautious when scanning QR codes to protect yourself and your devices from potential threats.