Security News > 2021 > August > QR Code Scammers Get Creative with Bitcoin ATMs

Simply navigating a smartphone camera over the image allows the device's QR translator-built into most mobile phones-to "Read" the code and open a corresponding website.

"The problem with QR codes stems from how easy they are to use," they wrote in a report published Tuesday about the growing number of QR code scams.

"Point your smartphone's camera at a QR code and your phone will happily read it, convert it to a URL, and then open the URL in your browser. Very trusting."

The BBB in its advisory, posted late last month, outlined a range of different potential QR code scams for which people should be on the lookout.

If someone takes the bait and scans the code, in some cases the QR code will take them to a phishing website and prompt them to enter personal info or login credentials.

While the scams reported to the BBB - which keeps a running list via a Scam Tracker posted online for consumer awareness - "Differ greatly," they are dependent on the potential victim scanning the QR code quickly, without thinking too much about it, the bureau said.

News URL

https://threatpost.com/qr-code-scammers-bitcoin-atms/168621/