Red Deer RCMP are warning people to be wary of unfamiliar QR codes.
QR (Quick Response) are tags that when scanned with a smartphone or similar device automatically opens a web page on your internet browser. The codes are found on numerous legitimate products and in businesses, such as restaurants, and are widely used in advertising, including TV ads.
"Recent scams have been discovered using QR codes, which when scanned, brings the user to a website that contains malware," said RCMP in a Thursday news release. "This malware can obtain your banking information and other sensitive information."
In one case, someone received a package of luxury goods they had not ordered. When they opened the package there was a note directing them to scan the QR code, which turned out to be from a scammer.
In other cases, scammers have stuck a fake QR code over top of a legitimate one.
Police warn people not to scan QR codes unless they know it's the real deal.
To get more information on scams go to The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca).
If you have fallen victim to this or any other scam, contact Red Deer RCMP at 403-406-2200, as well as the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca or 1-888-495-8501). To report crime online, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play.
