You may be familiar with QR codes. They are square black and white barcodes that you can scan with your phone’s camera to be instantly directed to a website or mobile app. Unfortunately, cybercriminals can use QR codes to their advantage. This month’s scam begins when you receive a package in the mail that you weren’t expecting. There’s no return address or sender information, but a QR code is printed on the box.
However, the package, which contains an item of little to no value, is just a trick to get you to scan the code. It was sent by cybercriminals, and they hope you will be tempted to scan the code to find out where the package came from. If you scan the QR code, you’ll be taken to a fake website and asked to enter your personal information so that cybercriminals can steal it. The website could even secretly install malware on your device!
Follow these tips to avoid falling for this QR code scam:
- Be suspicious of any package you receive that you didn’t order, especially if it has no sender information.
- Never scan a QR code from a source you don’t recognize or trust. Cybercriminals can use them to send you to malicious websites.
- Be careful about allowing websites and apps to access your phone’s data after scanning a code. Cybercriminals can use these websites and apps to steal your data or download malware to your device.
Source: Alphastar Capital Management Security Team
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Megan Jones joined the ILG Financial team in 2020 as marketing director. Megan and her husband live in Fredericksburg, VA with their German Short Haired Pointer, Gus. Megan is a graduate of Longwood University and holds a degree in communications. Megan is the oldest of Dave Lopez’s three children and not only enjoys working alongside her father, but also with her cousin, Chase, who joined the ILG Financial team in 2020 as an advisor. Megan is also a fully licensed Life, Health, and Annuity agent. When not at work, Megan enjoys sitting on the back porch with family and friends enjoying food and music.
Amy Anderson joined the ILG Financial team in 2023 as the client relations coordinator. Her responsibilities include scheduling of appointments, annual check-up notifications, and annuity and required minimum distribution assistance. She is a graduate of Harding University with a degree in Computer Information Systems. Amy and her husband have two children and she enjoys reading, crocheting, music and spending time with her family.
Terri Center joined the ILG Financial team in 2019 as client services manager. She handles client records, application processing, and gathering information to provide a professional and friendly experience with all of our clients. Terri is a graduate of Oakland University. She is married and has two children. She enjoys hiking, family time, and puzzle challenging video games. She also likes to share her creativity in her canvas paintings and sewing projects.
Jessica Carson joined the ILG Financial team in 2018 as an agent. Jessica and her husband have four children, two dogs, 3 barn cats, 5 chickens, and three parakeets. She indeed loves her children and pets! When not at work, Jessica enjoys playing the piano and cello as well as traveling and spending time outside with her family, hiking, fishing, and boating.
Chase Lopez joined the ILG Financial team in 2020 as an advisor. Chase is a 2016 James Madison University graduate with a degree in management. Chase has been trained under the tutelage of Dave Lopez, who is not only the founder and managing member of ILG Financial, but also is Chase’s uncle and godfather. He also enjoys working alongside his cousin, Megan, who is Dave’s daughter.