Shoppers Warned of QR Code Scams Ahead of White Friday

With White Friday shopping activity expected to surge in the UAE, Cisco has issued an important advisory warning consumers about the rising threat of malicious QR codes. Based on insights from Cisco Talos, the company’s global threat intelligence team, QR code scams are increasingly being used by cybercriminals to exploit unsuspecting shoppers during busy sales periods.

QR codes have become a popular tool for spammers due to their ability to bypass traditional spam filters. Cisco Talos reports that 60% of emails containing QR codes are spam, as most anti-spam systems are not equipped to decode QR code images. This makes QR codes a prime method for delivering phishing links or malware.

During White Friday, scammers often use fake QR codes to mimic package delivery updates, taking advantage of the high volume of online shopping. Consumers expecting deliveries may unknowingly scan these fraudulent QR codes, exposing themselves to significant security risks.

Cisco advises shoppers to exercise caution and shares these essential tips to stay safe:

• Use QR code decoders to inspect links before opening them.
• Rely on anti-virus tools like Cisco Secure Malware Analytics to safely view the content behind QR codes.
• Avoid entering credentials on unverified sites; always visit official websites directly.

Fady Younes, Managing Director for Cybersecurity at Cisco Middle East, Africa, Türkiye, Romania, and CIS, highlights the growing danger:

“Attackers are increasingly leveraging QR codes in phishing and email-based attacks. These are particularly harmful because they often target personal mobile devices with fewer security protections. Shoppers must remain vigilant to avoid compromising personal data during White Friday sales.”

As White Friday approaches, Cisco’s timely advisory urges consumers to take precautions and ensure safe shopping practices during the holiday season.