WASHINGTON–Credit unions that work to keep their members ahead of scams have yet another new one to add to the list: Quishing.
Quishing, short for QR code phishing, is an identity fraud scam utilizing QR codes.
“Have you ever scanned a QR Code and ended up at an unfamiliar or strange web site? Have you ever received a QR code from an unfamiliar email address or via text message urging you to scan right away?” the U.S. Postal Service asked, before warning, “If you do, then don’t scan the QR code.”
Posted in High-Traffic Locations
The USPS cautioned that scammers are posting physical images of QR codes in high traffic locations or sending them via email or text message.
“Once you scan the QR code, it takes you to a scammer’s website, which may look legitimate, where the scammer lures you into providing personal or financial information,” the USPS cautioned. “These scammers often attempt to disguise themselves as a government agency, bank, or other company to lend legitimacy to their claims,” and then use that info to carry out financial scams.
What Consumers Should Do
For CUs that want to pass the message along to members, the USPS is urging consumers to:
- Think. “Before scanning QR codes, ask yourself where did this come from? Who posted or sent this QR code? Be extra cautious when scanning QR codes from untrusted emails and from signs, posters, flyers, or other physical locations. If you receive an unexpected email or text with a QR code, don’t scan it, especially if it urges you to act immediately.”
- Report. “Contact the bank, credit union, government agency, or company that the scam artist is impersonating so the bank can alert others and work with law enforcement to investigate the activity.”
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Treat your personal information like cash.
“Your Social Security number, credit card numbers, and other personally identifiable information can be used to steal your money or open new accounts in your name without your knowledge or approval.” - Block spam messages. “Call your carrier’s customer service number (usually 611) and instruct them to ‘Block all text messages sent to you as email’ and ‘Block all multimedia messages sent to you as email.’ You also might be able to log into your account and activate these blocks there.”
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