What to do if you’re affected? If you notice a recurring payment you didn’t authorise, contact your card provider immediately to stop further charges. Banks can sometimes block future payments, though refunds for already taken funds may be harder to obtain if the transaction appears authorised. If the company refuses to refund you, escalate the issue with your bank, and if necessary, take your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
Tips for staying safe with QR codes
By following these precautions, you can reduce your risk of falling victim to QR code subscription scams. If you do spot an unauthorised payment, act quickly to limit further losses and seek help from your bank or the relevant authorities.
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Inspect QR codes for signs of tampering, such as stickers placed over existing codes, especially in public spaces. If unsure, manually type the web address instead of scanning. Use your phone’s built-in camera to scan QR codes, not third-party scanner apps, to reduce the risk of malware. Preview the destination link before opening it. If the web address looks suspicious or doesn’t match the expected site, don’t proceed.
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Never use QR codes to download apps; always use official app stores.
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Be wary of QR codes in emails, as scammers increasingly use them to bypass email security and hide malicious links.
COUNTER FRAUD | SCRUTTON BLAND | 9
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