Michigan Shoppers Warned About New QR Code Scam This Holiday Season

If you live in Michigan and feel like you are constantly dodging scams, you’re not alone.

Most of us have gotten pretty good at spotting phishing texts, sketchy emails, or the random messages that pop up on social media. But, there is a new scam that is surprisingly easy to fall for even when you think you are being careful.

QR codes are everywhere now. You see them on menus, flyers, parking meters, store windows, charity signs and holiday pop ups. They make life easier, especially when you just want to get information fast without having to open up your phone to try to type in a difficult URL or prompt.

And, that convenience is exactly why scammers love them.

Federal officials say most people scan QR codes without checking anything first. We trust the little black and white square and assume it belongs there. Scammers count on that.

As holiday shopping picks up, the risk gets even higher. People are in a hurry. They are trying to get through a checkout line or grab a menu or pay for parking. It is the perfect moment for someone to slip in a fake code.

Security experts say the most common scam involves covering a real QR code with a fake one. It can be as simple as a sticker placed over the original. You scan it without thinking and it sends you somewhere you never intended to go. A malicious site might ask you to log in, enter your card number or confirm a purchase. By the time you realize something feels off, the damage is done.

There are a few signs to watch for. If a QR code looks crooked, has a different color than the background or looks like it was taped on, skip it.

When you scan a code, your phone usually shows you a preview of the web address before it opens. Take the extra second to make sure the address looks right and is spelled correctly. If the link looks strange, back out of it.

Another trick to avoid is scanning QR codes sent through texts, emails or unexpected packages. If you did not ask for it, do not scan it.

The safest option is still the old fashioned one: Type the website address into your browser yourself. It takes a few more seconds, but it keeps you in control.

As we head into the busy shopping season here in Michigan, staying alert goes a long way. Keep an eye on where QR codes come from, look for anything that seems altered and trust your gut if something feels off. A quick pause can save you a lot of trouble later.