QR code traffic scams sound clever – but they’re deeply concerning

Cybercriminals are evolving their tactics once again, with a new wave of phishing scams now using QR codes in fake traffic violation text messages. Security researchers warn that these scams, recently spotted across multiple U.S. states, are designed to trick users into handing over sensitive personal and financial information by mimicking official government notices.

The scam typically begins with a text message claiming the recipient has an unpaid traffic violation or “Notice of Default.” Unlike earlier versions that relied on clickable links, these newer messages include an image of an official-looking notice embedded with a QR code. Victims are urged to scan the code to avoid penalties, legal action, or additional fines.

Why you should be careful

Once scanned, the QR code redirects users to a phishing website disguised as a legitimate government portal, such as a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) page. These sites often ask for a small

...

Keep reading this article on Digital Trends.