FBI Warns of ‘Widespread’ QR Code Scams by Cybercriminals to Steal Your Money

The FBI is warning people to be careful when scanning QR codes because criminals swap them for malicious codes and steal victims’ information or money.
FBI Warns of ‘Widespread’ QR Code Scams by Cybercriminals to Steal Your Money
A mobile ordering QR code is seen on the back of a seat at a baseball game at Nationals Park, in Washington on April 7, 2021. Patrick Smith/Getty Images
Tom Ozimek
Tom Ozimek
Reporter
|Updated:
0:00

The FBI has issued a new warning to Americans that they should exercise caution when scanning QR codes with their smartphones because cybercriminals tamper with the codes to steal login and financial information.

A QR code—the square barcode that people can scan with their smartphone cameras—can provide quick and convenient access to a website or to a direct payment to an intended recipient.

Tom Ozimek
Tom Ozimek
Reporter
Tom Ozimek is a senior reporter for The Epoch Times. He has a broad background in journalism, deposit insurance, marketing and communications, and adult education.
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