QR Code Scams Lead to Unauthorized Charges, Data Theft

Why it matters locally: Delaware residents who frequently use QR codes for various transactions, from restaurant menus to payment systems, are vulnerable to these scams. The Attorney General's office may see an increase in complaints related to unauthorized charges and data theft stemming from such incidents.

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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.