QR code Tips From The Better Business Bureau

The Better Business Bureau of Kansas is offering tips about the quick response or QR codes seen throughout daily life from real estate signs, advertisements and in shop windows.

QR codes pack a lot of information into a tiny area. Because of their versatility they are being put to use by marketers, consumers and, of course, scammers.

For those unsure of what a QR code is, they are usually small 2-dimensional boxes of random looking bar codes, often with smaller boxes in three of their corners. They look a little bit like a traditional bar code that’s been run through a blender. They were first developed in 1994 by a Japanese automotive manufacturer. The QR stands for quick response. A second type developed by the Microsoft Corporation is also popping up which consists of horizontal rows of colored triangles. Those are usually called Mobi Tags.

The information within the code is retrieved by scanning it with a smart phone that has a QR reader application. Reader apps are available for free on the internet. The internet also offers sites that will generate a QR code for you or your business.

The code will direct you to a mobile website where you can get more information, watch a video or fill out a form for specific purposes. They may link to money-saving coupons. Appointments or reservations might be obtained. Sometimes a contest or game is accessed through the code. Businesses are creatively expanding what they offer to QR code scanners constantly.

Real estate agents are having success with QR codes that provide direct access to MLS information, high-resolution images, video clips and details about properties that are for sale.

Recently charities have been having success with the codes as well. Charity QR codes can feature information on social justice issues through blog feeds, embedded videos, feedback forms for volunteer inquiries and donation options. A Salvation Army campaign resulted in over 190,000 downloads within the first six weeks and a 6% response to “Donate $10 Now.”

But there is a potential for maliciousness with QR codes as well. Some codes can direct a browser to a website that may download destructive software or convert a computer into a SPAM generator. Identity theft can be a risk with malicious codes. Until QR codes came along, browser-based phishing and spyware required that the user click on a hyperlink or enter a URL. Now with QR codes a program can be executed simply by scanning the code. Only after the fact can you detect that a malicious QR code has been captured by your device.

Here are some steps you may want to take to protect yourself from scammer QR codes:
• Be cautious about scanning QR codes from unknown sources. Public flyers and email attachments are suspect. An extraordinary sounding deal or discount could be harboring such codes.
• Check the label. QR codes can be printed easily on stickers and applied over legitimate codes. Take a close look before scanning a code from a shop window or a flyer.
• Be suspicious about being asked to fill out forms or create a login profile if directed to do so from a QR code. Guard your personal and credit card information from phishing attempts.
• Protect your device by purchasing security software that can safeguard your personal information.

QR codes are like so many things in our technology-saturated culture. They provide advantages and they come with caution flags. Enjoy what they can offer you as a consumer or as a promoter of your business. Don’t fall victim to the scammers who would use them for their own malicious purposes. Feel free to contact the Better Business Bureau with any concerns or questions.