(5MinNewsBreak.com) – Citizens beware: Chinese hackers are targeting America’s cell phones with QR code scams that are stealing billions from unsuspecting victims.
At least 10% of QR codes found on restaurant tables, parking meters, and public bulletins are fraudulent.
They are part of a sophisticated attack that has already stolen $75 billion annually from hardworking Americans.
Government agencies are scrambling to respond as this digital threat explodes across the nation.
The widespread adoption of QR codes has created a perfect opportunity for scammers to exploit American consumers.
These square-shaped barcodes became increasingly popular during the pandemic and are now a national security concern.
Investigators have revealed that Chinese criminals are behind many of these schemes that target financial information stored on smartphones.
Haywood Talcove, an expert on these scams, warned Americans: “It’s one thing when they steal your credit card. It’s completely different when they get access to your debit card through your phone. There’s no way of recovering that.”
The International Association of Financial Crimes Investigators has dubbed these attacks “quishing scams,” a combination of QR codes and phishing.
These schemes work by replacing legitimate QR codes with fraudulent ones or distributing malicious codes through various means.
When unsuspecting victims scan these codes, they are directed to fake websites designed to steal their personal and financial information or install malware on their devices.
The scope of this threat is staggering. Fraudulent QR codes have been discovered on parking meters, restaurant tables, bulletin boards, drive-thru windows, and various businesses across America.
A newer tactic involves sending unsolicited packages with QR codes inside, tricking recipients into scanning them under the guise of confirming delivery or getting more information.
“I wouldn’t scan a QR code because it’s impossible to tell good from bad and you don’t know until it’s too late. My entire life is on my phone. I’d rather lose my wallet,” Talcove warned, highlighting the severe risk these codes pose to Americans’ digital security.
The Better Business Bureau and U.S. Postal Inspection Service have flagged these scams as a serious problem.
The origins of these attacks are particularly concerning. Chinese criminals initiated similar “brushing” scams in 2015, which have now evolved into more complex QR code operations.
With the advancement of artificial intelligence, experts predict these scams will only grow more convincing and widespread.
Highlighting how these scams can intercept payments or install malware to access financial details, International Association of Financial Crimes Investigators vice president Mark D. Solomon explained:
“They can be placed on parking meters and trick the victim into inputting the card information on a nefarious website, or sitting in a restaurant where you can pay by QR code. You point your camera at the payment QR to learn that a fraudster put a fraudulent QR code over the original.”
Experts recommend several precautions to prevent becoming a victim. Always verify the source of QR codes before scanning them and check the URL that appears.
Avoid scanning unexpected QR codes from emails or texts and never store payment information on smartphones.
Keep the phone’s operating system updated and secure online accounts with strong passwords and multi-factor authentication.
Anyone who encounters a suspicious QR code or becomes a victim of such a scam should report it immediately to the business involved and relevant authorities.
As these foreign-based digital threats continue to target hardworking Americans, staying vigilant and informed is the best defense against becoming the next victim.
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