Fraud Tip

ThFBI Warns of Scammers Using QR Codes

The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) recently issued a warning alerting consumers that scammers are using malicious QR Codes to reroute unsuspecting customers to malicious sites to try to steal their data.

Also known as QRishing, criminals are taking advantage of our familiarity with QR codes after using them at restaurants and other establishments during the pandemic, to use them to commit crimes. The criminals embed malicious codes into QR codes to redirect a user to a malicious site and then attempt to get the user to provide personal information, financial information or other data that the criminals can use to perpetrate fraud or identity theft.

Embedding malicious code into a QR code is no different than embedding it into a link or attachment to a phishing email or a smishing text. Consumers are not as alert to question QR codes as we are to spot malicious emails and texts.

Hence, the alert from IC3. IC3 is warning consumers to check and re-check any URL generated by a QR code and to be cautious about using them for any form of payment.

QR codes should be viewed as suspiciously as emails and texts. Be cautious when asked to scan a QR code, and refuse to provide any type of personal information or financial information after scanning one.

Source: Cybersecurity by Linn Foster Freedman, Robinson+Cole

Identity Theft From Stolen Mail is on the Rise

Identity theft from stolen mail is on the rise. Here are some ways you can protect your mail from being used in illicit activity:

• Pick up your mail promptly after delivery. Place a hold on your mail with the Post Office when you are away from home for several days.
• Sign up for Informed Delivery by the United States Postal Service (USPS). The USPS offers a service for you to digitally preview your mail and manage your packages scheduled to arrive. It is free to sign up and can alert you to missing mail and delivery issues immediately.
• When mailing bill payments or other sensitive information use the letter slots inside your Post Office for your mail, or hand it to a letter carrier.
• Pay attention to your billing cycles. If bills or financial statements are late, contact the issuing agency immediately.
• If you change your address, immediately notify your Post Office and anyone with whom you do business via the mail.
• Do not mail cash.
• Report all suspected mail theft to your local police, and Postal Inspector by visiting uspis.gov/ov.

Sources: USPS, “How to Prevent Mail Theft” and USC Department of Public Safety, “Protecting Your Mail”