QR code scams are hidden in plain sight. Here’s how to spot them

(NEXSTAR) – QR codes are everywhere these days – on restaurant tables, at checkout and even on the bills you receive in the mail. But not every QR code you come across is sure to be legitimate. Scammers are taking advantage of the technology to trick people into different schemes, the Better Business Bureau warned this week.

The scams work in a few different ways. One common strategy, the BBB says , is sticking fraudulent QR codes to the back of parking meters or at parking payment terminals. You may think you can scan to pay for parking (especially if you don’t carry change), but you’re led to a fake website where you’re prompted to enter your credit card information.

You may notice it’s a scam until the credit card charges start appearing days or weeks later.

Scammers are also increasingly using QR codes to impersonate legitimate utility companies or government agencies, the BBB reports. The QR codes are tricky because you can’t tell where you’ll be taken until after you scan. So sometimes, victims will receive communications that look like they’re from a utility, for example, and be prompted to pay their bill by scanning the code – only the code takes them to an imposter site.

QR codes can also be used as part of a phishing scam. Once you scan the code, it may download a virus or malware to your device.

To avoid falling victim to QR code scams, the BBB advises you be wary of QR codes before scanning them. If you see them displayed at a business, check with an employee first before using it – especially if it shows signs of tampering.

The BBB also says you shouldn’t ever scan a QR code or open a link that’s sent to you by a stranger.

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