Petaling Jaya, 19th April 2024 - Commercial Crime Investigation Department Director, CP Dato' Sri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf has warned the public to be cautious of a recent scam tactic that entails scanning QR codes on free items left at residences.
"Scammers will always devise innovative strategies to exploit unsuspecting individuals. QR code scams are now a prevalent method for fraud."
He was commenting on a video circulating on social media of a homemaker warning others not to scan the QR code on packages containing free thermos flasks that were left at house gates in her residential estate.
Text below the QR code instructed recipients to scan it for a RM200 cash coupon.
"Scanning a QR code often involves subsequent steps that the user is prompted to follow. So, do not blindly scan such codes as they could lead individuals to fraudulent websites or phishing attempts."
Dato' Sri Ramli said although some QR codes may lead to legitimate and trustworthy sites, most offers promising rewards are fraudulent.
“Anyone who comes across a free package left at their house should not scan any QR code on it. I am issuing this caution to protect the public from being scammed. QR codes and the subsequent steps that victims are directed to take usually lead them into traps."
Read further on The Sun’s article attached.
