Bank3 Technology Tip: Brushing Scams
Beware of brushing scams!
Brushing scams have been around for a few years but have recently been spiking in multiple states. A “brushing” scam is when someone receives an unexpected gift or package they did not order in the mail, or even from a source such as Amazon. Examples of these gifts can include rings, bracelets, necklaces, etc. The gift/package will have the recipient’s address, but not the sender’s information. When the recipient opens the package to see what it is and possibly who sent it, there is a QR code to scan to “find out” who sent the gift.
Once the code is scanned, all the information from that phone can be visible to scammers. The scammer can then gain access to the phone, including personal and financial information.
The gift can be kept, thrown away, or donated, but the QR code should NOT be scanned for any reason. QR code scams are not new, and can even be found on parking meters, message boards, restaurants, etc. Use extreme caution and remain vigilant!