As Black Friday approaches, shoppers eagerly eye discounts while scammers focus on a different target. With a surge in package deliveries expected, cybercriminals are leveraging the chaos to perpetrate scams at people’s doorsteps.
Recent reports highlight a rise in “quishing,” a tactic where criminals embed phishing attacks within QR codes. This method, coupled with a revived brushing scam, is becoming more aggressive as Black Friday draws near.
Technology expert Theodore Ullrich from Tomorrow Lab notes a surge in these scams as consumers await deliveries. He emphasizes the risk when unsuspecting recipients trust unexpected packages, leading them to scan QR codes that redirect to phishing sites.
Ullrich warns that scammers are exploiting personal information easily available online to make fraudulent parcels appear genuine. He cautions that victims often fall for the ploy, unaware of the danger until sensitive data is compromised.
The expert advises caution during Black Friday, as scammers exploit the flurry of online shopping activities. He urges recipients to verify unexpected packages directly with the company and be vigilant against scanning unfamiliar QR codes.
To safeguard against such scams, Ullrich recommends changing passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and monitoring financial statements closely. He stresses the importance of skepticism towards QR codes, especially in unsolicited packages, to prevent falling victim to cyber fraud.
Staying alert and avoiding impulsive actions are key defenses against scammers seeking to capitalize on the shopping frenzy. Ullrich underscores the importance of vigilance and critical thinking to prevent identity theft and financial losses.