The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has issued a cautionary advisory to Nigerians regarding the potential risks associated with scanning QR codes from unknown sources, highlighting the alarming tactics employed by scammers to exploit unsuspecting individuals.
In a statement released on Saturday via its official X social media platform account, NITDA underscored the importance of vigilance when encountering QR codes, emphasizing their susceptibility to misuse for identity theft and fraudulent transactions.
Explaining the nature of QR codes as digital barcodes capable of storing and retrieving data, NITDA cautioned users against falling victim to the deceptive schemes orchestrated by malicious actors.
According to NITDA, scammers employ various tactics utilizing QR codes, including:
Phishing scams: QR codes may lead users to malicious applications or phishing websites, where sensitive information is stolen under false pretenses.
Payment fraud: Illicit QR codes can initiate unauthorized transactions, diverting funds to the scammer’s accounts instead of the intended recipients.
Data theft: Malicious payloads embedded within QR codes can compromise users’ devices, enabling threat actors to extract confidential data such as financial information and passwords.
Identity theft: QR codes integrated into fake advertisements or online surveys may harvest users’ personal information for nefarious purposes, including identity theft and targeted fraud.
To mitigate the risks associated with QR code scams, NITDA outlined several precautionary measures:
Verify the legitimacy of QR codes and associated links before scanning them.
Regularly update devices with the latest antivirus software and security patches to safeguard against malware.
Utilize reputable QR code scanning mobile applications equipped with built-in security features.
By raising awareness and advocating for proactive security measures, NITDA aims to empower users to protect themselves against the pervasive threat posed by QR code scams, thereby safeguarding their personal and financial well-being.
Source: fij.ng
