Protecting Yourself from QR Code Fraud
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: February 23, 2024
Quick Response codes, better known as QR codes, are a very popular way to get information. QR codes are scannable barcodes that will direct you to a website.
There are many legitimate and helpful uses for QR codes, from paying for parking to viewing a restaurant menu. But since scammers often use QR codes to carry out their schemes, it’s important for you to learn how to spot a fake!
Scammers create QR codes to trick people into visiting a fraudulent website or downloading malware that compromises their personal information.
For example, scammers may:
- Cover official QR codes with fake ones on parking meters, menus, or magazines.
- Send QR codes via email or text message pretending to be from delivery companies.
- Request that you confirm your information due to suspicious activity on your account using imposter QR codes.
- Place harmful codes on social media advertisements.
QR codes may look genuine, but they can redirect you to fake websites designed to steal your personal information. Here are some tips to avoid related scams.
Verify the Source
Before scanning a QR code, make sure it comes from a trusted and reliable source. Legitimate QR codes from SSA will always send you to a safe and secure ssa.gov webpage.
Inspect the Code
Scammers may use tactics that mirror a legitimate QR code. Take a moment to examine the QR code closely. Look for any signs of tampering, unusual colors, or misspellings. If something seems suspicious, it’s best to avoid scanning the QR code.
Be Cautious of Unsolicited QR Codes
Avoid scanning unsolicited QR codes received via email or text message. Be aware of codes from unknown sources. We will never send a QR code via text or email asking you to confirm your information.
Be Aware of Urgent Requests Using QR Codes
Fraudsters often pretend to be government officials and use fake QR codes to defraud people. For example, a scammer may pose as a Social Security employee claiming that you have an outstanding debt or a problem with your account and demanding immediate payment. The scammer may send fake QR codes via text or email requesting the payment. Remember, Social Security will never request any form of payment using a QR code.
Stay Informed
Stay up to date on the latest QR code fraud and scams. Follow trusted sources such as cybersecurity blogs, news outlets, and official government websites for updates.
QR codes are an easy and convenient way to get information, but it’s important to remain vigilant when using them.
For more information, you can review the Federal Trade Commission Consumer Alert, Scammers Hide Harmful Links in QR Codes to Steal Your Information, and the Better Business Bureau website.
You can report suspected Social Security imposter scams to the Office of the Inspector General’s website. We encourage you to learn more about fraud and scams on our Protect Yourself from Scams webpage.
Please share this with friends and family – and post it on social media.
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Tags: data privacy, fraud, scams
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Please review our Comment Policy before leaving a comment. For your safety, please do not post Personally Identifiable Information (such as your Social Security Number, address, phone number, email address, bank account number, or birthdate) on our blog.
Valerie G.
Social Security Administration, the Courts and Congress AGREED to REMOVE AND CLEAR the 2020 Overpayment Payment Center Cases. When will the SSA start REMOVING AND CLEARING THE Overpayment Payment Center Cases? Please start removing the NON RECIPIENTS first please.
Premlata V.
My aunt in India did not get annual verification form. US embassy in Mumbai directed her to Manila, Philippine.
My aunt doesn’t own a computer or she knows how to create email. I have asked Manila office to send me pdf format of form to elect representative so I can help my aunt complete the form and mail to Manila. NO RESPONSE ABOUT THE FORM. you should realize that older generation doesn’t have IT knowledge.
Ron F.
Thank you SSA for bringing this scam to light. I had not heard of QR codes being used by crooks and risky websites to steal information. Really appreciate the heads up!
Alicia g.
Hello I don’t know what to do I have this girl from high school makeing fun of me all the time she goes you’re a looser in high school were uncle Frank at wild 949 taoerecorder going off all day and all night she stalking me I have proff that she goes into downstairs room they said that they were going to call fraud on me she also said that I was going to loose my property she can’t determine that can I sue soverato apartments and community solutions are allowing to do that to me none stop they play certain signs like whoop that ass, were is bucky jingle bells ruid of the red noise renidear she saying you’re so stupid were going to call fraud on you they are using meth here my caseworker says I’m hearing voices that’s a bunch of bullshit I got proff on camera of Silvia going into Dian as room and accusing me when I pay for rent gomezzaround1234@gmail.com can you call the police I don’t want to loose my income I don’t know what to do I’m in fear of my life thanku for understanding have a nice day
Astrid L.
Thank you for this article on
Fake/Fraudulent QR Codes &
QR Code Hackers.
The information you’ve shared has been a big help. I also appreciate the websites/webpages & articles you’ve listed as well….additional information & research is always a Plus! Thx
Scott
Every year we get our statement in the mail. It has our ss# on it. I wrote SS and asked if this could b removed and if one one need to cancel mail delivery of such and look statement up on online. It’s been awhile of course NO response as yet.
Mitch E.
Of course not. The people that send out these caring emails are NOT the same people who are supposed to fix the issues. Nobody in that organization communicates with each other.
Sue
Hi, Scott. Thanks for reading our blog and for your suggestion. You can only opt out of receiving mailed notices if they are available in the Message Center of your personal my Social Security account. If you’d like to suggest that we abbreviate the Social Security Number (SSN) on the SSA-1099, visit our How can we help? webpage. From there, select the “Email Us” link. This will take you to the “Email Our Support Team” form where you can submit your suggestion, if you haven’t already done so. We hope this helps.
John S.
Common sense should dictate that the SSN # show ONLY the last 4 digits! Any credit card statement already shows this!
Delia
Thanks for sharing this..
Robert N.
Hi
Could I have someone with experience with Medicare please call me
Thank you
Robert Naylis
215-370-1834
Dan
Call Medicare 1-800-MEDICARE. Or visit the Medicare website http://www.medicare.gov
M.C.
I would not post Your phone number here! Do what Dan said, please!
Dick L.
SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION is being RANSACKED FROM WITHIN by their very own OIG, CDI PROGRAM UNIT, overseers, contractors and affiliates. They are intentionally causing financial hardships, blocking all types of income so you can’t progress, poisoning people by giving them unknown substance without their knowledge by threatening an paying someone who usually would have access to your nutrition to put these things into your food and beverages. They intentionally block all opportunities for income and also online sources of income so don’t think being an online trader will work. All these while they threaten and pay people “to not say anything” it’s a secret” “they’re not suppose to know” ” don’t tell them” meanwhile they threaten people to make FALSE statements about the individual and force them to believe conspiracies and many FALSE theories of the reasons why this is OCCURING. SSA is a POVERTY PROGRAM is what they claim to keep you unemployed and isolated.
Vernon A.
You can’t trust anyone. I scanned the code on the back of my GA state issued ID/Driver’s license, and was taken to a scam website.
John S.
sounds just like Congress, the Senate, Supreme Court, etc……….
Sue
Hi, Robert. Thanks for reading our blog and for your question. Please review our Who do I contact – Social Security or Medicare? fact sheet to determine whether Social Security or Medicare can help you. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Medicare’s toll-free number, 1-800-Medicare (1-800-633-4227), is available 24-7. Your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) may also be able to assist you. Please be careful about posting your personal information on social media. We hope this helps.
Emerald
This was one of the better articles ever posted to this blog. I learned something new today. Thank you! Keep it up! This would also be great shared on Facebook! You should post it there too. Thanks!
Suzanne T.
I don’t have a scam way to read those codes.
Rick C.
Very similar to links sent in unknown emails and text messages..
Verify, verify, and VERIFY again.. If their is any doubt, don’t use & delete – PERIOD..