Abu Dhabi Police have issued an urgent alert warning residents about the rise of fake QR codes being used to perpetrate cyber fraud. These fraudulent QR codes are designed to mislead users into scanning them, which then redirects them to malicious websites where their personal information can be stolen or their devices infected with malware.
The police emphasize the importance of vigilance when scanning QR codes in public places or those received from unknown sources. They advise the public to verify the authenticity of QR codes before scanning and to use trusted QR code scanners that offer security features such as checking the URL before opening it.
Key Safety Tips to Avoid QR Code Scams
- Do not scan QR codes from unknown or suspicious sources.
- Verify the origin of QR codes received via email, social media, or text messages.
- Use secure QR code reader apps that can preview URLs.
- Keep phones and antivirus software up-to-date to block potential threats.
- Report any suspicious QR codes or cyber fraud attempts to Abu Dhabi Police immediately.
By staying alert and following these precautions, residents can protect themselves from falling victim to cyber fraud schemes involving fake QR codes. Abu Dhabi Police continue to monitor such threats and encourage the public to stay informed and cautious.
