Beware of Holiday Scams in Shreveport: Watch Out for Brushing and QR Code Traps!

Beware of Holiday Scams in Shreveport!

Hey there, Shreveport! As the holiday season approaches and festive cheer fills the air, so does a wave of extremely sneaky scams. That’s right! While you’re busy buying gifts and hanging up your twinkling lights, some not-so-jolly folks are attempting to fill their pockets at your expense. But don’t worry; we’re here to fill you in on the latest fraudulent activities making the rounds this season!

The Newest Scam: Brushing!

One of the emerging scams you need to watch out for is called “brushing.” You might be asking, “What in the world is brushing?” Well, here’s the scoop: Some folks are receiving packages at their doorsteps that they didn’t even order! That’s right—no errands to the online store, no recent purchases, and certainly no peeking at your credit card statements!

The catch? There’s no information about who sent the package. Inside the box, you may find a mysterious QR code, urging you to scan it to discover the sender. Sounds innocent enough, right? But hold on a second—this is where things get fishy!

What Happens When You Scan the QR Code?

According to Deputy Doug Smith with the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Cyber Crime Unit, scanning the QR code takes you to a shady website that’s basically a data-stealing trap. “Really, all a QR code is, is a way to point your phone automatically to a website. This is a website you wouldn’t normally go to, but when you go to it, it’s going to start prompting you for information,” said the Deputy. It’s akin to other phishing scams where the attackers want you to click on a link that could potentially jeopardize your personal data.

So, what should you do if you receive one of these unsolicited packages? First, don’t panic! Since you didn’t order it, you can toss it without worry. But whatever you do, do not scan that QR code!

Where to Report These Scams?

If you’re a victim or even suspect you might be, the best way to report these scams is to head over to the Internet Crime Complaint Center. This center is backed by the FBI, and every tip or complaint helps them track down these deceptive practices and protect others from falling prey to similar scams.

As we embrace the spirit of giving this holiday season, it’s crucial to remain vigilant in protecting yourself and your loved ones from these scams that are simply on the naughty list. If you want to stay in the loop about potential scams, many local organizations provide email notifications on new matching items. Remember, it takes a community to stay smart about safety!

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