The FBI has issued a warning as homes across the US receive unsolicited packages containing questionable QR codes. This situation raises concerns about potential scams that could lead to financial loss for victims.
The scam involves receiving unexpected parcels. If victims are not careful, they could face serious money problems. This scheme is a more dangerous version of a type of scam known as a “brushing scam.” In a brushing scam, companies send products to random people and then write fake reviews to improve their online ratings.
In this new scam, the packages include a QR code, either on the box or inside it. These parcels do not have return addresses, leaving recipients confused about their origins. If someone scans the QR code, they are redirected to a fake website. There, they may be asked to enter sensitive information, such as credit card or bank details.
The FBI first warned about this scam last year and advised people to stay alert. Although the scam is still relatively rare, the FBI emphasised the importance of caution. They encourage anyone who has fallen victim to report the incident.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) also provided guidance. They recommend changing passwords immediately if anyone has shared their details and suggest enabling two-factor authentication for better security.
