Alberta RCMP are alerting residents of scams involving quick response (QR) codes, small tags that open a webpage when scanned with a mobile phone camera.
Recently, police have discovered scams involving malicious codes which, when scanned, brings the user to a website containing malware that can obtain your personal banking and other sensitive information.
QR codes are small tags that, when scanned with your device’s camera, automatically opens a webpage on your internet browser. These codes are often found on legitimate products, such as shampoo bottles, as well as in magazine advertisement or on television.
In one recent example, Mounties say a member of the public received a package of luxury goods that they had not ordered; The package contained a note directing them to scan the QR code.
RCMP remind the community to be mindful of QR codes and only scan the code if you are sure it is authentic.
If you have fallen victim to this or any other scam, please contact your local Police, as well as the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca or 1-888-495-8501).
Comments