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The holiday season is here, and with it comes the joy of giving and receiving gifts. But not all surprises are merry and bright. Scammers are getting creative, and one sneaky tactic making the rounds is called a "quishing" scam. It’s important to know how this scam work so you can avoid becoming a victim.
Imagine this: a random package arrives at your door. Inside is a small gift, maybe something like a phone stand, earbuds, or even something completely useless like a cheap trinket. Along with it, there’s a note or card with a QR code and a message that says something like, "Find out who sent this gift!" or "Scan to see your holiday surprise!"
It sounds intriguing, right? But here’s the catch: scanning the QR code often leads to a fake website designed to steal your personal or financial information. This scam is known as "quishing". The name "quishing" comes from combining "QR" with "phishing," highlighting how scammers exploit QR codes to phish for personal data. This scam is particularly dangerous because QR codes don’t reveal where they’ll take you until you scan them, making it easier for fraudsters to trick victims.
This scam can also target your banking details. For instance, a fake website might ask you to enter your credit card information to "claim" a larger gift. In some cases, scammers could even try to trick you into downloading malicious software that gives them access to your phone and accounts.
The holiday season is here, and with it comes the joy of giving and receiving gifts. But not all surprises are merry and bright. Scammers are getting creative, and one sneaky tactic making the rounds is called a "quishing" scam. It’s important to know how this scam work so you can avoid becoming a victim.
What Is a Quishing Scam?
Imagine this: a random package arrives at your door. Inside is a small gift, maybe something like a phone stand, earbuds, or even something completely useless like a cheap trinket. Along with it, there’s a note or card with a QR code and a message that says something like, "Find out who sent this gift!" or "Scan to see your holiday surprise!"It sounds intriguing, right? But here’s the catch: scanning the QR code often leads to a fake website designed to steal your personal or financial information. This scam is known as "quishing". The name "quishing" comes from combining "QR" with "phishing," highlighting how scammers exploit QR codes to phish for personal data. This scam is particularly dangerous because QR codes don’t reveal where they’ll take you until you scan them, making it easier for fraudsters to trick victims.
This scam can also target your banking details. For instance, a fake website might ask you to enter your credit card information to "claim" a larger gift. In some cases, scammers could even try to trick you into downloading malicious software that gives them access to your phone and accounts.
How to Protect Yourself
- Don’t scan random QR codes. If you weren’t expecting a package, treat any included QR code as suspicious.
- Check the sender. Look for a return address or company name. If it’s unclear who sent the package, it might be a scam.
- Beware of requests for personal information. No legitimate gift requires you to enter sensitive details like your Social Security number or credit union account information.
- Secure your devices. Make sure your phone and computer have up-to-date security software to block malware.
What to Do If You’ve Been Targeted
- Stop engaging. Don’t scan the QR code or visit the website.
- Monitor your accounts. Check your credit union and credit card statements for unauthorized transactions.
- Report it. Notify Power Financial Credit Union if you believe your financial information may have been compromised. You can also report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
- Change your passwords. Update passwords for your online banking and other important accounts if you’ve interacted with the scam.