Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw

Tampa Police Warn Of QR Code Scams Targeting Holiday Shoppers “Quishing”

Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw
Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw

TAMPA, Fla. – The Tampa Police Department is urging residents and visitors to be cautious of fraudulent QR code stickers that have been found in parking lots around the city, particularly in Ybor City.

These malicious QR codes, part of a scam known as “quishing,” can redirect users to websites designed to steal personal information or financial data.

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The stickers are often placed over legitimate payment stations, tricking unsuspecting victims into scanning them.

To protect yourself from these scams, the Tampa Police Department recommends the following:

  • Be Suspicious: Avoid scanning QR codes in unfamiliar or unexpected locations.
  • Verify the URL: Double-check the URL before entering any personal information.
  • Use Trusted App Stores: Download apps only from official app stores to minimize the risk of malicious software.
  • Avoid QR Code Payments: When possible, manually enter payment information instead of using QR codes.
  • Preview URLs: Many smartphones allow you to preview the destination URL before scanning a QR code.
  • Keep Software Updated: Regularly update your smartphone and apps to protect against security vulnerabilities.
  • Report Scams: If you encounter suspicious QR codes or believe you’ve been a victim of a scam, report it to the Tampa Police Department’s non-emergency line at (813) 231-6130 or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

By following these tips, you can help protect yourself from becoming a victim of QR code scams.

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