The RCIPS cybercrime team are aware of a significant increase of QR code scams. QR codes are a type of barcode, or scannable pattern, that contain various forms of data, like website links. Attached is an example of a QR code.

It is common for businesses, products and on line platforms to share QR codes as a short cut to their webpages. There has been a nearly 60% increase worldwide of scammers using fake QR codes to trick people into giving personal information or other details. 

The RCIPS cybercrime team advises that if you get a QR code in an email or text that you didn’t ask for, go to the official website of the store or organization instead of clicking on the QR code. Also be careful to ensure that if scanning a QR code on a webpage that you are on a legitimate webpage and that the re-direct is also to a legitimate webpage.

Never give out personal information to anyone you don’t know. 

For online safety advice visit www.exploregov.ky/cybersafe