Watch Out For These Scam Websites Spoofing QR Codes
Dear reader, there’s a new scam around the block. Fraudulent websites now spoof QR codes and dubiously bill users. Hundreds of people have fallen victim to this QR code scan scam.
The websites involved in this scam are Fraavy.com, Fanjestic.com, flickdom.net, Savurgam.com, Athemic.com, Gosq.com, Fruust.com, and tudum.co.
These websites pop up when people are trying to scan a QR code for parking payments, app downloads, etc. Once users scan the QR code and submit their credit card details for the scan which is said to be free, they get charged immediately.
How Does This Scam Work? Victims Narrate Their Ordeal
posed as a QR code app for Android phones AKA (Fraavy) told me at the end I would get 5 days of free membership after that I will be charged 49.99 I can unsubscribe after my 5 days but I want to unsubscribe today because that’s not what I wanted and I can’t get through to no one not the telephone number the support email so I’m looking for help this way because some people have my credit card number I can’t afford for these people to steal my little bit of money so here I am looking for support!
John
used a qr code for the temu app and suddenly I’m signed up for this fraavy.com thing. I cant sign into that website tells me my info is incorrect. I noticed in the email from them that the user id was different from what I had used, thinking i was setting up a temu account, so I copied and pasted that into the sign in and still told me invalid info. so
Frank
I was scammed while signing up for a Netflix account. I scanned the QR code on the TV and added my information, it was only after i couldn’t activate my Netflix account that I investigated further and found this problem. I called the CC company and cancelled my card. I was told there was a $1 charge from Dillouss.com for cable tv service at the time. I will certainly be more vigilant in the future.
Henry
The QR Code Scam Format
The websites involve in this scam promote themselves as a website to get unlimited access to movies, music, games, audiobooks, etc. However, behind the well designed website is a subscription based scam.
Manipulates QR Code Scanner on Reputable Websites
Then scam websites manipulate reputable mainstream websites. It pops up on dental office patient portals, doctor connection sites, restaurant QR code menus, parking apps, scooter rental apps, etc. as an Ad. The free entertainment trial lures people, and they end up clicking and providing their personal information.
Automatically Charges Users & Refuse Cancellation
Unauthorizedly bills users monthly, sometimes as high as $49 or as low as $1. When victims attempt to contact the customer support for cancellation, they get no response. The scam charge continues to appear on their credit even after unsubscribing.
What To Do If You’re a Victim of This Deceptive Charges
- Contact your credit card provider or bank and report the charges as unauthorized
- The charge would either be reversed or preventive measures taken to stop future charges from the sites
- Closely monitor your credit statement for any suspicious charges
You could also request for a new credit card to be on the safer side. With a new credit card, the chances of being charged by the websites again is very slim.
How To Avoid Being A Victim of This Scam
- Avoid clicking on any ads or pop-up offers associated with the websites mentioned
- Be wary when you see an offer that seems too good to be true, such as unlimited free entertainment.
- If you find yourself on any of the sites after clicking an ad, carefully read ALL the fine print before entering any personal or financial details.
- Use a virtual credit card number or privacy.com and set a strict monthly limit
- Monitor your bank statement for any unusual charges
Meanwhile, always report unauthorized transactions to your card holder immediately. You may get money returned IF you report immediately. See similar unauthorized debit charge here
