Texts, phone calls and QR codes
The same tricks, delivered in different ways.
Scammers use every channel. The tricks are the same, but each channel makes them feel different.
Texts
- Fake delivery, toll and bank alerts ask you to tap a link.
- Do not tap or reply. Open the company's own app, or type its address yourself.
- Never share a code that arrives by text.
Phone calls
- Callers claim to be Microsoft, your bank or IT support and say there is a problem.
- Caller ID can be faked, so a familiar number proves nothing.
- Never give remote access, passwords or codes to someone who called you. Hang up and call the real number yourself.
QR codes
- You cannot read a QR code, so you cannot tell where it leads until you scan it.
- Be careful with codes on flyers, stickers, parking meters and emails. Check the address your phone shows before you open it.
Try it. A caller says your computer has a virus and asks you to install a program so they can remove it. What is the best response?
Good to know
A real support person never needs you to act right now, or to keep the call quiet.