QR Code Scams Lead to Unauthorized Charges, Data Theft

Why it matters locally: As QR code usage becomes more prevalent across Maryland businesses and public services, residents face increased exposure to these types of scams. The Office of the Attorney General of Maryland could see a rise in consumer complaints related to unauthorized charges and data theft stemming from compromised QR codes.

---

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.