Beware of QR code scams

We've all become used to seeing QR codes everywhere. They are on everything nowadays: in ads, on flyers, on packages, in books, on display boards, everywhere. We just hover our cell phone camera screen over the QR code and BAM! Instant information. But what most of us DON'T realize is that scanning a QR code can give a hacker access to your phone and all of your personal information. So be very careful about which QR codes you scan. I received two suspicious packages this month, sent to my home address. The address was correct, but the recipient's name was foreign. The first time it happened, I simply returned the package to the sender. But when another package came a few days later with a different foreign name on it, I became increasingly suspicious. Each of these strange packages had a QR code on the outside of the package. I reported this to the Auburn Police Department. The officer taking my report did some checking through the FBI and learned the QR Code package delivery is a scam. The sender packages up a random item and puts a fake name, real address and a QR code on the outside. The sender uses a mail service so the package cannot be traced back to them. When the unwitting recipient scans the QR code on the package, the hacker immediately gains access to their phone and all of their personal information. Please beware of this clever scam! Never scan a QR code unless you are certain it is from a trusted source. With QR codes being used everywhere in today's world, you could quickly become a victim if you scan these codes. So please think carefully before you scan any QR codes on packages, or anywhere else. New scams are emerging every day. It's becoming increasingly difficult to spot fakes. We all need to be vigilant to protect ourselves from cyber criminals. Share information with authorities if you discover anything suspicious. Avoid becoming a victim of cyber- crime.