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he National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has issued a crucial warning to Nigerians concerning the increasing threat posed by scammers utilizing QR codes for fraudulent activities.
QR codes, known as Quick Response codes, are commonly used for quick access to information and actions by scanning with a smartphone. However, NITDA has raised concerns about their exploitation by cybercriminals for phishing scams, payment fraud, data theft, and identity theft.
In a statement, NITDA highlighted the diverse ways in which QR codes are manipulated by scammers to deceive unsuspecting users. These tactics range from directing users to malicious applications or phishing websites to embedding malware or data-stealing scripts within QR codes.
According to NITDA, users may unknowingly scan QR codes that lead to malicious applications or phishing websites, resulting in the theft of their sensitive information. Moreover, scammers can generate QR codes to initiate unauthorized transactions or redirect payments to their accounts, bypassing legitimate recipients.
The agency emphasized the risk of identity theft through the collection of personal information, such as names, addresses, and contact details, via QR codes embedded in deceptive advertisements or online surveys.
To combat these threats, NITDA advised users to exercise caution when scanning QR codes from unfamiliar sources or unsolicited messages. It recommended using reputable QR code scanning apps with built-in security features and ensuring devices are regularly updated with antivirus software and security patches.
Additionally, NITDA urged individuals to verify the legitimacy of QR codes and associated links before scanning them, emphasizing the importance of vigilance in safeguarding against QR code-related scams.
By raising awareness of these risks and promoting proactive measures, NITDA aims to empower Nigerians to protect themselves against fraudulent activities perpetrated through QR codes.
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