QR Code Scams Lead to Unauthorized Charges, Data Theft

Why it matters locally: New Jersey residents are susceptible to QR code scams, as these fraudulent schemes can lead to unauthorized charges and data theft, consistent with national trends. Consumers should exercise caution when scanning QR codes and downloading associated applications to protect personal financial information.

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Scammers have increasingly utilized QR codes to compromise personal accounts and steal data, according to recent reports. These incidents often involve consumers scanning a QR code and subsequently downloading an application, which then facilitates unauthorized financial transactions. Les Howard, a consumer affected by this scam, reported a monthly subscription of £60 charged to his account. This charge began after he downloaded an application that originated from scanning a QR code.