The Tennessee Attorney General’s Office has issued a QR code scam alert, warning consumers about fraudulent QR codes used in various scams, including fake cryptocurrency investments. Consumers are urged to verify sources, check codes for tampering, and use secure scanner apps.

Tennessee Attorney General Warns of QR Code Scams

The Tennessee Attorney General’s Office issued a warning on Tuesday about QR code scams, advising consumers on the associated risks and offering safety tips.

“While evolving QR code technology may be convenient, QR codes can be exploited by scammers,” the warning states, noting that these codes are increasingly used in various schemes, including cryptocurrency scams. The warning cautions:

Scammers use QR codes to steal cryptocurrency by promising fake giveaways or investments. Donation scams: Fake charities use QR codes to solicit donations, which actually end up going to the scammers.

The Tennessee Attorney General’s Office further explained that scammers might send fake QR codes through emails or text messages, directing victims to phishing sites, or place fraudulent codes in public spaces to steal payments or personal information. In some cases, scammers might use QR codes to gain access to devices.

Consumers are advised to be vigilant by verifying the source of QR codes, inspecting them for tampering, using secure scanner apps, previewing URLs, and avoiding unsolicited codes. The Attorney General’s Office emphasized the importance of securing devices with up-to-date software to protect against these threats.

Consumers are urged to follow these precautions to avoid falling victim to QR code scams. The Office advised:

Always be cautious when scanning QR codes, especially from unknown sources.