With Black Friday approaching rapidly, while deal seekers are eyeing price drops, scammers are focusing on a different agenda. Cybercriminals are taking advantage of the surge in package deliveries during the upcoming weeks to perpetrate scams at people’s doorsteps.
Recent reports have highlighted a significant rise in “quishing,” a tactic where criminals embed phishing attacks within QR codes. This deceptive technique is now being combined with a revived brushing scam, becoming more aggressive as Black Friday approaches.
According to technology expert Theodore Ullrich from Tomorrow Lab, scammers are intensifying their efforts as consumers eagerly await their deliveries, exploiting the moment when recipients are more likely to trust unexpected packages.
Ullrich warns that unsuspecting individuals may easily fall victim to these scams, as the allure of a seemingly legitimate parcel with their name on it can lead them to scan QR codes that redirect to fraudulent websites designed to steal personal and financial information.
The expert explains that scammers are now using QR codes as a modern twist on traditional brushing scams, turning what was once about fake reviews into a scheme focused on extracting sensitive data and money from unsuspecting victims.
As personal information becomes more accessible online, Ullrich emphasizes the importance of vigilance, urging recipients to verify any unexpected parcels with the company directly through official channels to avoid falling prey to these sophisticated scams.
He advises individuals to take any unusual parcel seriously, even if they believe their financial information is secure, recommending steps like changing passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and closely monitoring financial statements to prevent potential fraud.
In light of the upcoming Black Friday sales, Ullrich stresses the need for caution and urges people to refrain from scanning QR codes on unsolicited packages, emphasizing that it is better to be overly cautious than to risk falling victim to identity theft.
By staying alert and avoiding impulsive actions, individuals can protect themselves from falling into the traps set by scammers who capitalize on the frenzy of Black Friday deals.