FTC warns of rising QR code scams and malware threats

The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued a warning about the increasing use of QR codes in scams that aim to gain control of smartphones, make fraudulent charges, or obtain personal information. Scammers are exploiting the trust placed in QR codes by pasting fake codes over legitimate ones, leading users to malicious websites or installing malware. The FTC advises users to verify the official URL of the site or service before entering sensitive information, be cautious of QR codes embedded in emails, and avoid installing standalone QR code scanners on phones.