Bob the Cyber-Guy’s Cyber Safety Tip — #118

“QR codes can be booby-trapped — scan with caution.”

QR codes feel safe because they’re everywhere now:
restaurants, parking meters, menus, mailers, packages, even medical offices.

But here’s the problem:
👉 You can’t see where a QR code really sends you until it’s too late.

Scammers are abusing this by:

• Slapping fake QR stickers over real ones

• Mailing QR codes that lead to phishing sites

• Placing QR codes on parking meters that steal payment info

• Sending QR codes that install malicious apps or steal login credentials

Why this matters

A QR code can silently:

• Open a fake login page

• Trigger a malicious download

• Redirect to a look-alike bank or Medicare site

• Harvest your personal information

And because there’s no hovering like with links, your usual defenses don’t work.

 Bob the Cyber-Guy’s simple rule

👉 Never scan a QR code unless you trust where it came from — and even then, pause.
After scanning:

• Check the full web address before doing anything

• Don’t enter passwords or payment info immediately

• Close it if anything feels rushed, urgent, or “off”

Bob’s Bottom Line:

“A QR code is just a shortcut — and shortcuts are scammers’ favorite roads.” 📱⚠️ 

(I created the prompt, ChatGPT created the information.)