DIGITAL LIFE

Criminals are using QR Codes to steal your data

No matter how much technology advances, criminals will always find a way to update their scams. And the authorities are unable to combat the thousands that occur every day around the world.

It's the (sad) reality and what we can do in this context is try to protect ourselves in the best way possible.

One of the most valuable things that exists in the digital world is our data. So much so that some companies make a lot of money selling this type of information. You may not realize it, but you put your data in many different places.

And I'm not even talking about websites, applications or authorization of use and game policies. I'm talking about real life, everyday life and physical things.

Did you know that the QR Code that comes with the order you placed online can carry information about you and your purchase? Did you also know that some criminals can extract data from the invoice's access code from a label? And that, with that, he can reach your CPF and cell phone number?

How to protect yourself:

Experts say that we should be very careful before discarding this type of packaging.

And not only them, but also letters and accounts that have our names and other related data.

Therefore, before throwing away these materials, the ideal is that you either tear up the part with this information or find a way to make it unreadable.

One option is privacy stamps, which smear labels with random characters to disguise personal data.

Permanent marking pens can also be used to scribble label data – and are a little cheaper.

The most expensive and advanced option are paper shredders.

They can destroy the data on labels and envelopes, tear several sheets at the same time and even shred CDs and credit cards.

There is also the good old strength of the hand, which can tear up anything that has sensitive information about you.

Online fraud...Regardless of the method you choose, the important thing is to always pay attention to these details, so as not to make the thief's life easier. Because there are many of them and they operate non-stop.

According to the report “Indicator of Fraud Attempts”, by Serasa Experian, in Brazil alone there is a fraud attempt every 3.3 seconds. And most of these scams are online.

A study carried out by OLX indicates that Brazilians lost more than R$1 billion in 2023, victims of these crimes.

mundophone