Latest Iowa Scam Involves Amazon Deliveries & ‘Gifts’
Scammers are back at it with a new trick targeting unsuspecting Iowans, and this time it involves surprise deliveries from Amazon. Here’s how it works: you might receive a package addressed to you with items like earbuds, a hat, or a shirt, even though you never ordered anything. It may even come with items you actually DID order. Along with the package, you’ll find a QR code asking you to scan it to find out who sent the “gift.” Don’t fall for it! Scanning that code can give scammers access to any and all personal information stored on your phone.
This is part of a broader scam trend involving QR codes. You’ve probably used QR codes in everyday situations, like scanning for a menu at a restaurant or paying for parking. Scammers take advantage of how common QR codes are now, inserting harmful links that can steal your data. They’ve even been caught placing their own QR codes on parking meters or sending fake ones via text or email. The scam process through Amazon and other online retailers has now become known as a "brushing."
These scammers rely on creating a sense of urgency to trick you. They might claim they couldn’t deliver a package, there’s an issue with your account, or suspicious activity has been detected, all to get you to scan the QR code quickly without thinking.
Once you scan the code, you might be taken to a fake website that looks legitimate but is designed to steal your personal information. Or worse, the QR code could install malware on your phone, compromising your data before you even know what’s happened.
To protect yourself, inspect any QR code links carefully. Check the URL for misspellings or unusual formatting. Don’t scan codes from unexpected messages or packages. And always keep your phone’s operating system up to date to defend against these types of attacks. If you receive an unsolicited package like this, contact law enforcement right away. Stay vigilant and remember, by spreading the word we can help to protect others too!
LOOK: The biggest scams today and how you can protect yourself from them
LOOK: These Are the 50 biggest retailers in America
Gallery Credit: Madison Troyer & Zack Abrams