Tips on how to protect yourself from QR code scams on unexpected gifts and why you should never scan them

NEW YORK CITY (WABC) — Who doesn’t enjoy receiving a gift? We all enjoy it.

But recently, some of these surprise gifts have become part of a new QR code scam.

“Brushing” is when a person receives packages or parcels containing various items that the recipient neither ordered nor requested. The package is addressed to the recipient but has no return address, or the return address could be that of a retailer, along with a card that asks the recipient to scan a QR code to find out the sender’s identity.

By scanning the code, scammers gain access to the victim’s phone and, with it, all personal and financial information. This often results in the victim’s bank account being emptied.

Although at first glance it may seem like a victimless crime, the information obtained could be used for numerous scams and other illegal activities in the future.

So how can you avoid being scammed?

– If someone you know sends you a QR code, verify it before scanning it. Whether you receive a text message from a friend or a social media message from your colleague, contact that person directly before scanning the QR code to make sure they haven’t been hacked.

– Do not open links from strangers. If you receive an unsolicited message from a stranger, do not scan the QR code, even if you are promised exciting gifts or investment opportunities.

– Check the source. If a QR code appears to be from a reputable source, it is wise to double check. If the correspondence appears to be from a government agency, call or visit their official website to confirm.

-Be careful with short links. If you see a shortened URL link when scanning a QR code, you must be aware that you have no way of knowing where the code will take you.

According to experts, removing personal information from data brokers and people search sites can be difficult because spam sites add new people every month, so it’s helpful to have a service do the removal for you.

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