As a Retired combat Marine I want to tell you that the internet keeps records of your good works as what you are doing is just as important as any warrior on the battlefield. You are waging warfare against these criminals and terrorists on the digital battlefield. You are defending and protecting the most vulnerable of our society against these predators. Keep up the good work *Strongwidget*
The amount of bravery this took was INSANE. These people all had their lives in danger, but still decided to go through with the recovery for the sake of busting bad scammers. True respect *Strong widget!* If the FBI was half as dedicated and ingenious (and honest) as you guys are, the USA would be a much safer country. Amazing work!
I am from Kentucky and I love you for doing this *Strong widget.* These scammers are worse than insects, ruining most country's and city's name. I don't know how are they so proud of scamming people. I pray that anyone who reads this get a successful money recovery in life. Successful people don't become that way overnight. What most people see at a glance-wealth, a great career, purpose is the result of hard work and hustle overtime
Hearing these people's voices over the phone so thrilled to be evil, almost giddy sounding, is utterly disgusting. Thank you *STRONGWIDGET* all you and your team does to shut them scammers down.
Great work *Strongwidget* - so glad you are out there fighting these lowlifes. We need to do all we can to spare the elderly and the general public from these despicable scammers! Kudos to YOU!! You deserve the Nobel prize for keeping us safe big up brother.
*Honestly, just owning it and not trying to hide it is partially why I watch you. It's the honorable thing to do and it make the rest of the jobs much more believe when you are call out of the spots like that, so thank you StrongWidget. I can't wait to tell my grandkids this was the greatest youtube Recovery agent of my time..*
How come in scams like these it’s hard to track who the people behind them are? If money gets sent somewhere, why can nobody track where that money went?
Because the accounts they linked to are all fake. Then they use homeless people to pull the money out of ATMs. They get like $20 in drugs and don't give AF. The scammer gets all the cash that was in theaccount.
Yes and no. They know where the $$ went but they can't get it back because its not like a store or business that can do a refund, once the $$ is sent, its gone unless that person refunds it. Next the bad guys never get caught.
@@ACommenterOnRUclips I get the part about not refunds but I don’t get the part about how they can’t track where the money went in order to see who the bad guys are.
@@jaysant6958 The banks KNOW where it goes, whether or not they tell you is another deal, and most likely they won't tell you where it went, they will just file a complaint and either give you your $$ back or say sorry you accpeted their transfer. The bad guys NEVER get caught, they just close down shop and move somewhere else and open another bank account.
Not dangerous if it does what it's supposed to do. Btw, this is like saying e-mails and phone calls are dangerous. Yeah, they can be if someone is trying to trick you through e-mail/phone call. So occasionally dangerous I suppose.
@@RandomAccount5maybe Dangerous if someone is actually trying to trick you. I was saying it's safe when no one is trying to trick you. And when you can scan you see the URL, so you get a chance to visit the link or not. So better check if the URL looks alright before you press Go to link. So could of course be dangerous if you don't take time to check this. It's like getting a weird e-mail, most times you can see the e-mail address is looking weird and then you know not to press any link in the e-mail.
As a software engineer or more than 2 decades, I confirm this completely. At least the new pixel give you a peek at the address. I'll admit, I've been lazy because of a lot of menus at places do this now
I have been skeptical of QR codes since they first began surfacing. You cannot tell by looking at squares which one is safe and which one is not. The best way to stay safe is to avoid scanning ANY QR codes, ever.
@@jpquebec123 -- A QR code _potentially can_ hold more than just a URL. Only some phones will tell you what is encoded there. (Google Lens can show you the contents, if you are curious.) The data limit for a QR code is around 3K of data -- much more than you ever need for navigating to a website.
Thanks for clarifying it up. QR codes are fine, it’s what they point to. And phones will usually ask the user if they want to access the web site after reading the QR code.
Same boomers that want a surveillance state... screw them, they steal from the younger generations and then attempt to put us in some 1984 dystopian hell.
I never scan QR codes..... at the airport the security guy said scan this QR code, I simply said I don't own a phone what do I do? The security guy said , just go you're fine....
Exactly. Everyone should refuse "qr codes." Even if they're not "fake," even the "legit" ones it is all about corporations stealing your private property, your data, to enrich themselves and impoverish you.
Saw one of these at a Wendy's once. I told them about it. Workers there had no idea about it but were clear it was not theirs. I hope they got rid of it fast.
I’m getting really tired of technology. It is always advertised as something that is supposed to make our lives easier and in reality it just causes more problems.
Cyber HEROES!!! That’s what you guys are. ❤️THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU ❤️ *PLEASE READ THIS:* Hey *STRONGWIDGET* Don’t listen to the stupid trolls complaining about what YOU do! WE clicked on to YOU... we all know you rock, we get get your 'help' humor. Don't waste your time trying to get the general pop to understand, they'll never 'get it' and they'll just bring you down., keep being you, you are LOVED.
@@SethiozProjectthey can send you to a site you think is real....such as your bank....and when you try to log on....they now know your account number and password....or any other site they can fool you to think is real
No ... they opened that parking garage for the 🤣safety and benefit of others ... profit? Since when was profit important? Profit is always less important than the safety of their customers (strangers they don't know who they want money from). Right?
ofc top priority is money, but if they'd say this in public, then people would lose their minds and riot against hte company like "HOW DARE YOU??" you can't run a successful business without making up big lies on every step, that's only way to get rich nowdays. how to get rich: be selfish, be greedy, make up lies and pretend like other people's well being is your top priority. make sure to tell those lies thru your teeth with a big fake smile on your face.
@@SethiozProjectisn't it strange that so many people wish they could be wealthy, yet they believe the only way to accomplish that is to become a monster? True irony.
@@TroyQwert What should be offered instead is responsible and thoughtful choice of techniques. Not just whizz-bang for its own sake (note, no apostrophe on "its").
pay attention to what you are doing is only advice you ever need .. in fact it's not advice, it's stating common sense and if you need to explain common sense to someone, then there's really no point as they wouldn't understand it anyways.
Only people who didn't come from RUclips are worthy of liking this *Strong widget* 🏆 what a journey it’s been! this £200,000 recovery has been an inspiration to us all, congrats!!! ❤️
I genuinely believe this will be one of the best recovery to ever cross the platform. The difference in content compared to what other agents push out really made this service Exciting, Unique, and Fun all at the same time. Congrats *Strong widget* , Bro shoutout to these guys man being consistant every day and making the start of the week alot better making banger success big up
Yep, the excuse always is "they are outside of the country", but the so-called "Nigerian Prince" turned out to be an American living in the USA. They just don't want to go to the bother of following the money and prosecuting.
Whenever the steps necessary to separate you from your money are reduced, the scam potential increases exponentially. Consumers need to push back against trading security for convenience every time. If it's too easy, you're too vulnerable...
wrong. only problem is dumb people who fall for obvious scams. i think 1980s was the first golden era and internet's golden era was early 2000s (2000-2010). anything after 2015 has become total sh!tfest .. all this geo-track and geo-locking, censoring and 2-way-authisms have ruined the internet.
What? They are literally the safest option versus QR codes. They are a known application that you must enter zone location with. God I wish boomers would just go away already.
scammers are technically not criminals. if someone pretends to be your friend and asks you to give them your money and you're dumb enough to give it, that's your own fault. you can't call someone a thief if they ask you for your money and you choose to give it. it is your own responsibility to pay attention to what you are doing. having awareness of potato is your own fault.
Um, no. Scanning a QR code does NOT give anybody else access to your phone. QR code is just a different alphabet, basically. You can even scan QR codes with your eyes; there are people who trained themselves to do so. No phone required. Some people have their phones set up so that they automatically visit a website, if that QR code is a URL. Again, it doesn't differ from manually entering a link, or clicking a link in an email. And guess what? Simply visiting a website does NOT give anybody access to your phone either. Now, the website itself might be scammy, trying to, for example, get you to give it your credit card number, or something like that. But that has nothing to do with a QR code itself. Basically, stop fearmongering; QR codes are absolutely fine, the dangers are in other places.
Everyone wants easy access to convenience. Even thieves are making it more convenient and easier for them to take from you. I suggest the old way of operating. In person at trusted locations.
There should always be other options for those that do not want to use or do not know how to use or do not have a phone capable of using a QR Code. One of those should always include a URL to their site or the app in both the Google and Apple stores that can be manually entered. And an alternative payment method to pay in person.
@@MajICReiki The sign for the parking place has the QR code to link to a way to pay them for using their parking location. The original does not give the parking garage access to a customer’s phone, or should not, just provide them with a method to make payment. The fake QR code could do a variety of things. It could send the customer to a phishing link where they input their payment method to the scammer and not the parking garage company. It could steal information from the customer’s phone. It could put harmful content onto the customer’s phone and steal information later OR cause their phone to infect other people’s devices. All kinds of nasty stuff. So it may be about purchase related, but maybe not. Testing out fake QR codes is not a good idea. However, the original sign’s QR code was for payment. Hope that helps.
@@darrennew8211 It looks like it was a Use your phone and tap here method; which still can involve digital issues. That’s not an alternative payment method, as those are nearly the same. Even the tap your credit card methods are known for their own glitches, beyond scams, they’ve had some even charging passersby.
I have never scanned a QR code. As soon as they started this, I saw the potential for how easy it would be for scammers to capitalize off of them. In these times, it can be very beneficial to be a Luddite. Trust emerging technologies at your own risk.
@@glenbateman5960 I’m with you if it isn’t “written” in yr own language, ignore QR codes. The darn things are very dangerous. Best wishes from Adelaide; South Australia🦘🐨🇦🇺💐
This is the exact reason I’ve never used QR codes. I also don’t click on links in emails or texts so I’m bothered by financial institutions and medical offices sending out links to view your statement or confirm your appointment (for my Dr this can only be done via a link). Sorry but if it’s not available on your web site after I’ve manually navigated there and securely authenticated then it won’t happen.
A QR code cannot normally put malicious software on a phone on it's own. Security on the phone requires the user's acknowledgement to download. Easiest insurance is to type in the website directly, and NEVER download anything from a public QR code.
you would be surprised how far scammers have gone by now. Also there is a software called Pegasus that installs itself on your phone, scans it for key info and then removing itself without you ever noticing it was there. Is.rael knows.
@@D.von.N That is a different class of installation method. As I said, QR readers only bring up a URL. By default, they don't do anything with the URL they bring up, leaving it up to the user to decide what to do with it. I.e., it's a translator like any other language translator.
I was going to say the same thing. Just like any URL in an email or other sources, it's up to the user to read the URL, look for the correct domain, etc. before going to the next step. I'm not aware of any QR code that can trigger an automatic download and installation of malware; one of the interviewees made it sound like this was possible the way she described the process.
@@ausbare140 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Handmaid%27s_Tale No one has cash or valuables that can be traded, only accounts on a computer system. So all wealth can be taken away from political dissidents with the press of a button.
Glad I don’t ever scan QR codes. The evil creativity of the thieves is amazing, and ppl can’t figure all this stuff out. Good clue that we should NOT keep anything important on our phones.
makes you want to get a flip phone. The takeaway is dont scan anything. The respnse to the query about how to avoid scamming was pretty useless. Pay attention. right. I paid attention to this video and my answer is the same as these other answers. Dont scan anything.
When viewing a QR code, look around its edges. If it looks like it’s possible to get a fingernail under it to peel it off, don’t scan it because it’s probably fake.
The whole open your phones camera, point it at the code and you go to a website is 100% false. Nothing ever happens when I do that, all I wind up with, is a picture of the code I took with my camera which I just assumed you use at the checkout because it's a new version of a coupon. I don't get it.
Using QR codes is worse than clicking a tinyURL sent in an email.. cause while the latter might just infect your system with a virus or malware, the former may be done from a device with stored accounting details that monetarily cost the victim when the code is scanned..
The excitement in your voice when you finally reach a victim is priceless. You're so compassionate and empathetic. Merry my regards to you and your loved ones, *GrindTechiei* 👍 Thank you for everything you do’
nah the simple fix is to not have QR codes normalized... you could literally scan any QR code and some could lead to literal viruses lmao... its so bad
@@dr4g00nk1d that's not reasonable. Technology is advancing. We are going to have to find a way to use it and make it safe. Staying in the past is not the answer
@@RegisterRedVoteBlueBut to be fair I hate phone based systems like this especially when it’s not needed. The old system worked well why F it up with some thing like this cause it’s new. Cause this was always prone to scams; it’s why I don’t pay with my phone and my sister who does this has her bank account hacked every month at least.
Or check if there are layers of stickers like the girl in the video did? And if you see staff, talk to them to report it so they become aware of the problem?
QR codes are not dangerous in and of themselves, of course, any more than e-mail is dangerous. Being naive about security and safety online - that’s dangerous.
The difference is that a person can read an email and decide whether it's dodgy or not. These codes can't be read by a human being. And more and more places are requiring or expecting them to be used.
@@jannertfolFirst of all, they can. There are people who trained themselves to read QR codes just by their eyes. Secondly, any reasonable QR code scanner at the very least tells you where it is going to lead you next.
I agree. QR codes are just one more type of bar code (of which there are many). I used them as an archivist to secure records boxes that couldn't be locked up because of lack of space. Someone would have to wander around the Town Office with a phone reading QR codes to find a particular one, under the eyes of the Clerk and on camera. If more security was necessary, the QR code could just contain a number which had to be looked up in a book to find the actual contents of a box. Very useful. If money is involved and you are worried, look at the URL the code brings up on your phone, then Google the company name and go to their website instead of using the URL.
I remember watching a presentation at a hacker conference several years ago. The presenter was someone from the NSA, and he put a QR code up on the screen. He looked around and asked the audience why no one was scanning the code. Everyone laughed because they knew just how easy it is to exploit QR codes.
I'm in cybersecurity and I don't like using them. If I was a scammer I would use a link shortener with a QR code to hide the URL, then have that redirect go to a page that downloads malware disguised as a parking app essential then instantly redirect them to the actual website.
Businesses, particularly in California, refuse to take cash, because homeless can use cash. CA is 'homeless friendly', so businesses protect themselves from the homeless by not taking cash.
Good luck with that. We've been clinging to our landline all along, but it's going to be taken away from us pretty soon. Everything is going digital. And I don't think the powers that be have a clue what's going to happen with that.
I know someone, living in a remote rural area, who tried to switch back to a landline. They were told they were not in any phone company's coverage area. When they first tried to get a phone, back in the 1970s, the company wanted to charge $300 to run the line to them, close to two week's pay. Eventually the company put in the line for free, but they were on a party line, with three nearby homes. When they picked up the phone to make a call, a neighbor would often be on, talking to someone. When one home received a call, that phone would ring, but all phones would have a vibration. They were sure a neighbor was quietly picking up and listening in. It was something like ten years before they were converted to private lines. I guess the company thinks it will cost more to maintain a long rural line than they will make in profit.
@@EinsteinsHair Man, that’s wild! I can’t believe how that worked back then. I was born in ‘80 and lived out in the Iowa countryside but we never had nothing like that kinda phone thing… kinda creepy with the lack of assured privacy. But hey, I’m going back and wrapping up all this cell phone stuff for good 👍
Are you guys going to investigate identity theft and human sex trafficking from foster care being connected to this , because I couldn't complain about anything because of fear of retaliation and v constant intimidation that was made to look like my family is doing it because that's the only way they'll get help , if they agree with people who already bully us.
Please forgive this question from a non-tech person who has never used a QR code. Do parking lots offer a different option to pay? What if the QR code is the only option and it looks sketchy? What's a person to do to get out of the parking lot? And , I may be one of the only people in the world to ask this: what if someone doesn't know how to scan a QR code? Do they have to live in the parking lot for the rest of their life?😂
I'm not sure of the garage in question but all garages that I've used have an office that allow cash payment. QR code is just another way to access a website. If you had the address, you could technically just type out the address on your own but the QR code makes things easier and takes you to exactly where it's intended to take you. As the story pointed out, you could download an app that allows you to scan the QR code, giving you a barrier from your phone and a scam site but most people just use there camera to scan the code and are taken to the site directly.
@@Americaninparis2012 thank you! It's my guess that if they take cash they will also take credit cards. It's rare for anyone where I live to carry cash. As Luddite-ish as it seems, the idea of downloading an app to scan the codes is still a bit daunting to someone who has no idea of how to scan codes. ☺
Sometimes you can text a number on the sign. It’s often something short like 45678. The auto reply will instruct you on how to pay. Usually with a credit card.
The amount of bravery this took was INSANE. These people all had their lives in danger, but still decided to go through with the recovery for the sake of busting bad scammers. True respect *Strong widget!* If the FBI was half as dedicated and ingenious (and honest) as you guys are, the USA would be a much safer country. Amazing work!
Companies come up with new technologies and rush then to market, without taking the time to make sure, there are safeguards in place to protect the end user. Why can't the scammers be tracked? Because the tech companies don't want them to be.
There's always a trade-off between privacy and security. We could solve this by tracking every penny everyone spends, and where they were standing when they spent it, just like in China. But we'd rather refund some people for parking costs than go down that road.
There has to be a happy medium somewhere though. PS not everyone whom gets scammed gets their money back. The tech companies and financial institutions sometimes lay the blame at the feet of end user for (being complicit). It's a consumer beware world. Honest people are truly on our own.
rushing is new standard. that's why i have always hated updates, because devs rush things and only care for quick profits. they never properly test things. scammers can't be tracked, because they are smarter than their dumb brainless victims. it's called using aliases and anonymous VPN. you can buy a verified bank account from onion market for like 20 bucks. scammers usually just do them themselves. you are delusional about the tech company conspiracy. there's no such thing. what "tech company" you refer to exactly? there are no tech companies who protect scammers. .. this is such total nonsense, you dont seem to even understand how to track someone online. for that you need IP address or follow their accounts. at some point they have to transfer or withdraw the money, that's what you can track aswell, but if they use alias account, then they just abandon it. that's why scammers are hard to track ... not cuz of some "tech companies" lol.
![Seungmin "그렇게, 천천히, 우리(As we are)" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kAzmhLHePqU/mqdefault.jpg)
As a Retired combat Marine I want to tell you that the internet keeps records of your good works as what you are doing is just as important as any warrior on the battlefield. You are waging warfare against these criminals and terrorists on the digital battlefield. You are defending and protecting the most vulnerable of our society against these predators. Keep up the good work *Strongwidget*
The amount of bravery this took was INSANE. These people all had their lives in danger, but still decided to go through with the recovery for the sake of busting bad scammers. True respect *Strong widget!*
If the FBI was half as dedicated and ingenious (and honest) as you guys are, the USA would be a much safer country.
Amazing work!
I am from Kentucky and I love you for doing this *Strong widget.*
These scammers are worse than insects, ruining most country's and city's name. I don't know how are they so proud of scamming people.
I pray that anyone who reads this get a successful money recovery in life. Successful people don't become that way overnight. What most people see at a glance-wealth, a great career, purpose is the result of hard work and hustle overtime
Hearing these people's voices over the phone so thrilled to be evil, almost giddy sounding, is utterly disgusting. Thank you *STRONGWIDGET* all you and your team does to shut them scammers down.
Great work *Strongwidget* - so glad you are out there fighting these lowlifes. We need to do all we can to spare the elderly and the general public from these despicable scammers! Kudos to YOU!!
You deserve the Nobel prize for keeping us safe big up brother.
*Honestly, just owning it and not trying to hide it is partially why I watch you. It's the honorable thing to do and it make the rest of the jobs much more believe when you are call out of the spots like that, so thank you StrongWidget. I can't wait to tell my grandkids this was the greatest youtube Recovery agent of my time..*
How come in scams like these it’s hard to track who the people behind them are? If money gets sent somewhere, why can nobody track where that money went?
Because my anaconda don’t want nun unless you got bunz hunn!
Because the accounts they linked to are all fake. Then they use homeless people to pull the money out of ATMs. They get like $20 in drugs and don't give AF. The scammer gets all the cash that was in theaccount.
Yes and no.
They know where the $$ went but they can't get it back because its not like a store or business that can do a refund, once the $$ is sent, its gone unless that person refunds it.
Next the bad guys never get caught.
@@ACommenterOnRUclips I get the part about not refunds but I don’t get the part about how they can’t track where the money went in order to see who the bad guys are.
@@jaysant6958 The banks KNOW where it goes, whether or not they tell you is another deal, and most likely they won't tell you where it went, they will just file a complaint and either give you your $$ back or say sorry you accpeted their transfer.
The bad guys NEVER get caught, they just close down shop and move somewhere else and open another bank account.
They've always been dangerous. This is not new. A QR code is just a link you cannot read.
Not dangerous if it does what it's supposed to do. Btw, this is like saying e-mails and phone calls are dangerous. Yeah, they can be if someone is trying to trick you through e-mail/phone call. So occasionally dangerous I suppose.
@Readysetgo2007 no guarantee it is secure, is safe?
@@Readysetgo2007 Such a funny statement, scams are capable of accomplishing what they are intended to do, you think that doesn't make them dangerous?
@@RandomAccount5maybe Dangerous if someone is actually trying to trick you. I was saying it's safe when no one is trying to trick you. And when you can scan you see the URL, so you get a chance to visit the link or not. So better check if the URL looks alright before you press Go to link. So could of course be dangerous if you don't take time to check this. It's like getting a weird e-mail, most times you can see the e-mail address is looking weird and then you know not to press any link in the e-mail.
As a software engineer or more than 2 decades, I confirm this completely. At least the new pixel give you a peek at the address. I'll admit, I've been lazy because of a lot of menus at places do this now
I have been skeptical of QR codes since they first began surfacing. You cannot tell by looking at squares which one is safe and which one is not. The best way to stay safe is to avoid scanning ANY QR codes, ever.
There is a simple way to tell that. They are ALL safe. The problem is with websites they might lead to, not QR codes.
@@jpquebec123 -- A QR code _potentially can_ hold more than just a URL. Only some phones will tell you what is encoded there. (Google Lens can show you the contents, if you are curious.) The data limit for a QR code is around 3K of data -- much more than you ever need for navigating to a website.
Thanks for clarifying it up. QR codes are fine, it’s what they point to. And phones will usually ask the user if they want to access the web site after reading the QR code.
Exactly
The problem is there may be no way to tell if the "link" the "QR code " sends to is legit or not.
I'm with the Boomers on this one. Just give me a paper menu!
Precisely!!!
Same boomers that want a surveillance state... screw them, they steal from the younger generations and then attempt to put us in some 1984 dystopian hell.
AMEN!!!!!
That's what a boomer would say
@@TheMissingDislikeButton And that’s what someone obsessed with labeling people according to huge age groups would say
I never scan QR codes..... at the airport the security guy said scan this QR code, I simply said I don't own a phone what do I do? The security guy said , just go you're fine....
Exactly. Everyone should refuse "qr codes." Even if they're not "fake," even the "legit" ones it is all about corporations stealing your private property, your data, to enrich themselves and impoverish you.
Saw one of these at a Wendy's once. I told them about it. Workers there had no idea about it but were clear it was not theirs. I hope they got rid of it fast.
I’m getting really tired of technology. It is always advertised as something that is supposed to make our lives easier and in reality it just causes more problems.
Cyber HEROES!!! That’s what you guys are. ❤️THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU ❤️
*PLEASE READ THIS:* Hey *STRONGWIDGET* Don’t listen to the stupid trolls complaining about what YOU do! WE clicked on to YOU... we all know you rock, we get get your 'help' humor.
Don't waste your time trying to get the general pop to understand, they'll never 'get it' and they'll just bring you down., keep being you, you are LOVED.
This is exactly why we cant abandon currency.
Paper currency please clarify because a lot of people think digital 😂
You're absolutely right. We need to be raising hell with the government for pro cash legislation to Keep Cash.
Cash is safe and anonymous...
Umm… do you realize how many of these scams are only possible _because_ people are using cash?
EXACTLY
I never trusted QR codes and apps that connect to people's bank accounts.
What? I've never seen that. That's insane.
QR code is just a link ... links can't install malware or connect to bank accounts.
@@SethiozProjectthey can send you to a site you think is real....such as your bank....and when you try to log on....they now know your account number and password....or any other site they can fool you to think is real
@@SethiozProjectoh please
When you put convenience over security this is what you get 💯
No, that’s not the point
Making it easier for the crooks!
@@pattyayers that's the point that was failed to be mentioned in the video
@@exxxo45nope it‘s not the point
@@djamilawilschke7259 I'm glad you shed some light on the subject.
2:04 the safety of our customers is our top priority.
Hmm..I thought the top priority is profits
yea as if they have someone watching that qr code 24/7 to see if anyone puts their code over it
No ... they opened that parking garage for the 🤣safety and benefit of others ... profit? Since when was profit important? Profit is always less important than the safety of their customers (strangers they don't know who they want money from). Right?
ofc top priority is money, but if they'd say this in public, then people would lose their minds and riot against hte company like "HOW DARE YOU??"
you can't run a successful business without making up big lies on every step, that's only way to get rich nowdays.
how to get rich: be selfish, be greedy, make up lies and pretend like other people's well being is your top priority. make sure to tell those lies thru your teeth with a big fake smile on your face.
@@SethiozProjectisn't it strange that so many people wish they could be wealthy, yet they believe the only way to accomplish that is to become a monster?
True irony.
TOO MUCH TECHNOLOGY!!
Exactly
Wrongly designed, without safety in mind.
And what is it you offer instead? Technology is unstoppable. 😊
@@TroyQwert What should be offered instead is responsible and thoughtful choice of techniques. Not just whizz-bang for its own sake (note, no apostrophe on "its").
Pay attention that's your advice seriously , just avoid using QR codes if there are other options period.
pay attention to what you are doing is only advice you ever need .. in fact it's not advice, it's stating common sense and if you need to explain common sense to someone, then there's really no point as they wouldn't understand it anyways.
@@SethiozProject Obviously you have never had a deep thought in your lifetime.
@@stevenmitchell1 check out the big brain on Steven.
I was shocked she said that
"there are some software apps that you can use BUT THE MOST IMPORTANT THING........(WAIT FOR IT )........PAY ATTENTION" 😅🤣🤣😅😂😂🤣
A link you can't read, what could have possibly gone wrong?
Only people who didn't come from RUclips are worthy of liking this *Strong widget* 🏆 what a journey it’s been! this £200,000 recovery has been an inspiration to us all, congrats!!! ❤️
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Best thing to do is NEVER scan a QR code.
Exactly
never cross a street either.
What I'm hearing is that it's a good thing I still have a old fashioned flip phone
Good for her, situational awareness
That young lady was awesome. And she went above and beyond by sharing it with others.
Oh great, now with AI we'll have to take full length courses against scammers.
Too bad Ai cannot help consumers some how! 🤔
@@MajICReiki What do you mean by that??
And they’ll be outdated before you even get halfway through the semester
QR codes have nothing to do with AI.
the world is FUCKED
Weak punishment is trh REAL reason why these scams are happening
Yep, the excuse always is "they are outside of the country", but the so-called "Nigerian Prince" turned out to be an American living in the USA. They just don't want to go to the bother of following the money and prosecuting.
*This is why technology isn’t always a benefit*
smart phone, for dumb people. i've always hated smart phones .. they're worst invention ever. smart phones have dumbified people on core levels
Yeah, it increases chances that clueless people get on TV.
EITHER IS OUR GOVERNMENT
QR codes never looked right in the first place lol
In Thailand we have been using QR code to purchase items for many years and we don’t have any issue unlike in this stupid greatest country.
@@ChiRusNkFUSA If people in this country were smart, this video would not exist.
Easy now. Americans are trying. I’m sure in November they will have everything worked out.
stupid greatest country is a brewing pot for smart criminals.@@ChiRusNkFUSA
@@ChiRusNkFUSAstill better than what thailands infamous for 🤣😂 keep your ladyboys and trafficking 🤡
Whenever the steps necessary to separate you from your money are reduced, the scam potential increases exponentially. Consumers need to push back against trading security for convenience every time. If it's too easy, you're too vulnerable...
wrong. only problem is dumb people who fall for obvious scams. i think 1980s was the first golden era and internet's golden era was early 2000s (2000-2010). anything after 2015 has become total sh!tfest .. all this geo-track and geo-locking, censoring and 2-way-authisms have ruined the internet.
The pay applications on your phone are not convenient, they are dangerous.
What? They are literally the safest option versus QR codes. They are a known application that you must enter zone location with.
God I wish boomers would just go away already.
No they are not.
I really appreciate this article crime and criminals are never going to stop and people need to stay aware and think outside the box, Thank you
scammers are technically not criminals. if someone pretends to be your friend and asks you to give them your money and you're dumb enough to give it, that's your own fault. you can't call someone a thief if they ask you for your money and you choose to give it. it is your own responsibility to pay attention to what you are doing.
having awareness of potato is your own fault.
@@SethiozProjectIt's called "fraud", and it is a criminal offence.
Common sense should tell you not to open your device up to anything like this. NEVER!!!
Algorithm should be included to check the authenticity of the barcode
just - how?
"Updated QR code with our branding" LOL, that should help 😂
Anyone and their grandmothers that use Discord knows that QR codes cannot be trusted.
I love discord .... so not sure why that has anything to do with QR codes. Those have always been shady.
And people always act like im unreasonable when i refuse to use a qr code.
Surprise: you ARE unreasonable. Same as this "expert".
Um, no.
Scanning a QR code does NOT give anybody else access to your phone. QR code is just a different alphabet, basically. You can even scan QR codes with your eyes; there are people who trained themselves to do so. No phone required.
Some people have their phones set up so that they automatically visit a website, if that QR code is a URL. Again, it doesn't differ from manually entering a link, or clicking a link in an email. And guess what? Simply visiting a website does NOT give anybody access to your phone either.
Now, the website itself might be scammy, trying to, for example, get you to give it your credit card number, or something like that. But that has nothing to do with a QR code itself.
Basically, stop fearmongering; QR codes are absolutely fine, the dangers are in other places.
I appreciate this, too many people with zero technical knowledge chiming in
amazingly naive
Paper money keeps all these scams out of my life. The police will do nothing to them. I open carry and no one steals my info or money.
Everyone wants easy access to convenience. Even thieves are making it more convenient and easier for them to take from you. I suggest the old way of operating. In person at trusted locations.
There should always be other options for those that do not want to use or do not know how to use or do not have a phone capable of using a QR Code. One of those should always include a URL to their site or the app in both the Google and Apple stores that can be manually entered. And an alternative payment method to pay in person.
They use to scam people with "tinyurl" too.
They said It gives access to their phone. It could be a fake informational QR code, not purchase related. Right?
@@MajICReiki The sign for the parking place has the QR code to link to a way to pay them for using their parking location. The original does not give the parking garage access to a customer’s phone, or should not, just provide them with a method to make payment.
The fake QR code could do a variety of things. It could send the customer to a phishing link where they input their payment method to the scammer and not the parking garage company. It could steal information from the customer’s phone. It could put harmful content onto the customer’s phone and steal information later OR cause their phone to infect other people’s devices. All kinds of nasty stuff.
So it may be about purchase related, but maybe not. Testing out fake QR codes is not a good idea.
However, the original sign’s QR code was for payment. Hope that helps.
I'm pretty sure the sign had a place you could tap your credit card.
@@darrennew8211 It looks like it was a Use your phone and tap here method; which still can involve digital issues. That’s not an alternative payment method, as those are nearly the same.
Even the tap your credit card methods are known for their own glitches, beyond scams, they’ve had some even charging passersby.
I have never scanned a QR code.
As soon as they started this, I saw the potential for how easy it would be for scammers to capitalize off of them.
In these times, it can be very beneficial to be a Luddite.
Trust emerging technologies at your own risk.
There is no potential. No more than a link in an email.
@@migmit I don't click on links in emails or texts, either.
Good luck👍
@@glenbateman5960 I’m with you if it isn’t “written” in yr own language, ignore QR codes. The darn things are very dangerous. Best wishes from Adelaide; South Australia🦘🐨🇦🇺💐
This is the exact reason I’ve never used QR codes. I also don’t click on links in emails or texts so I’m bothered by financial institutions and medical offices sending out links to view your statement or confirm your appointment (for my Dr this can only be done via a link). Sorry but if it’s not available on your web site after I’ve manually navigated there and securely authenticated then it won’t happen.
A QR code cannot normally put malicious software on a phone on it's own. Security on the phone requires the user's acknowledgement to download. Easiest insurance is to type in the website directly, and NEVER download anything from a public QR code.
you would be surprised how far scammers have gone by now. Also there is a software called Pegasus that installs itself on your phone, scans it for key info and then removing itself without you ever noticing it was there. Is.rael knows.
@@D.von.N That is a different class of installation method. As I said, QR readers only bring up a URL. By default, they don't do anything with the URL they bring up, leaving it up to the user to decide what to do with it. I.e., it's a translator like any other language translator.
It can take you to a fake site that you think is real....so you enter your info....username amd password...then your screwed
I was going to say the same thing. Just like any URL in an email or other sources, it's up to the user to read the URL, look for the correct domain, etc. before going to the next step. I'm not aware of any QR code that can trigger an automatic download and installation of malware; one of the interviewees made it sound like this was possible the way she described the process.
Erica is so smart and observant! Good for her!
This is what happens when every one wants to go cashless.
Some restaurants and bars are actively promoting a Handmaid's-Tale kind of world and customers are falling for it.
@@b43xoit I do not know what a Handmaid's-Tale is.
@@ausbare140 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Handmaid%27s_Tale No one has cash or valuables that can be traded, only accounts on a computer system. So all wealth can be taken away from political dissidents with the press of a button.
Glad I don’t ever scan QR codes. The evil creativity of the thieves is amazing, and ppl can’t figure all this stuff out. Good clue that we should NOT keep anything important on our phones.
HOW DOES A QR CODE NOT LOOK RIGHT ??????
lol she probably noticed a printed crooked taped or glued on paper with a QR right over the actual one on the sign
Did you not watch the video ☠️
@@whoknows6918 Did YOU ??
@@ACommenterOnRUclips Yes. They explain it by asking her.
@@darrennew8211 Over your head
makes you want to get a flip phone. The takeaway is dont scan anything. The respnse to the query about how to avoid scamming was pretty useless. Pay attention. right. I paid attention to this video and my answer is the same as these other answers. Dont scan anything.
These scammers are still ruining everything hope they spend life in jail.
What are precautions?
When viewing a QR code, look around its edges. If it looks like it’s possible to get a fingernail under it to peel it off, don’t scan it because it’s probably fake.
@@eastmanwebb5477 is it possible to retrieve it back or cancel the operation?
Precaution: look at the web address it takes you to. That's all.
Use cash
@@lih-fk8by Comment where it says cash scams not here illiterate reader.
The whole open your phones camera, point it at the code and you go to a website is 100% false.
Nothing ever happens when I do that, all I wind up with, is a picture of the code I took with my camera which I just assumed you use at the checkout because it's a new version of a coupon.
I don't get it.
It's probably your phone, some phones literally just open to the website
Its been like that for years in Canada
Using QR codes is worse than clicking a tinyURL sent in an email.. cause while the latter might just infect your system with a virus or malware, the former may be done from a device with stored accounting details that monetarily cost the victim when the code is scanned..
QR code IS a URL, just written differently.
The excitement in your voice when you finally reach a victim is priceless. You're so compassionate and empathetic. Merry my regards to you and your loved ones, *GrindTechiei* 👍 Thank you for everything you do’
Simple fix: put the sticker behind a window
nah the simple fix is to not have QR codes normalized... you could literally scan any QR code and some could lead to literal viruses lmao... its so bad
@@dr4g00nk1d that's not reasonable. Technology is advancing. We are going to have to find a way to use it and make it safe. Staying in the past is not the answer
@@RegisterRedVoteBlueBut to be fair I hate phone based systems like this especially when it’s not needed. The old system worked well why F it up with some thing like this cause it’s new.
Cause this was always prone to scams; it’s why I don’t pay with my phone and my sister who does this has her bank account hacked every month at least.
They will break the window and place their sticker over it
Or check if there are layers of stickers like the girl in the video did? And if you see staff, talk to them to report it so they become aware of the problem?
any statically printed QR codes are unsafe and should not be scanned
QR codes are not dangerous in and of themselves, of course, any more than e-mail is dangerous. Being naive about security and safety online - that’s dangerous.
The difference is that a person can read an email and decide whether it's dodgy or not. These codes can't be read by a human being. And more and more places are requiring or expecting them to be used.
in other words .. it's dangerous only to those who have awareness of potato and lack common sense.
@@jannertfolFirst of all, they can. There are people who trained themselves to read QR codes just by their eyes.
Secondly, any reasonable QR code scanner at the very least tells you where it is going to lead you next.
I agree. QR codes are just one more type of bar code (of which there are many). I used them as an archivist to secure records boxes that couldn't be locked up because of lack of space. Someone would have to wander around the Town Office with a phone reading QR codes to find a particular one, under the eyes of the Clerk and on camera. If more security was necessary, the QR code could just contain a number which had to be looked up in a book to find the actual contents of a box. Very useful. If money is involved and you are worried, look at the URL the code brings up on your phone, then Google the company name and go to their website instead of using the URL.
Those parking ones been around.. ppl have parked in lots only to come back with their cars being towed for non payment SMH
I remember watching a presentation at a hacker conference several years ago. The presenter was someone from the NSA, and he put a QR code up on the screen. He looked around and asked the audience why no one was scanning the code. Everyone laughed because they knew just how easy it is to exploit QR codes.
I expected the NSA guy to be stupid, but no, everybody else was.
I foresaw this crap when they first came out, we already knew duped/fake sites existed, so why would QR codes be the next step forward?
Smart lady for realizing the fraud!
I dont trust QR Code
Even when it comes to job applications
@@alyssatwine8710 Yes. Cant trust it cause literally anyone can make their own qr code and send you to a phishing site.
And a bunch are government issued
I hate this world 😢
me too
I'm in cybersecurity and I don't like using them. If I was a scammer I would use a link shortener with a QR code to hide the URL, then have that redirect go to a page that downloads malware disguised as a parking app essential then instantly redirect them to the actual website.
I have an idea, how about just don't ever scan any QR code. 🤔
Some parking lots ONLY accept QR codes .. How about that thought
@@ACommenterOnRUclips Then never park there again. It's not rocket science.
@@ACommenterOnRUclipswell be prepared to be scammed. How about that thought.
how about using common sense and checking the URL that QR opens?
Why not? Despite all the garbage from this "expert", they ARE safe.
No paper menu, I’m not eating there
Use cash
Some parking meters don’t allow you to
Businesses, particularly in California, refuse to take cash, because homeless can use cash. CA is 'homeless friendly', so businesses protect themselves from the homeless by not taking cash.
Some restaurants and bars are actively promoting a Handmaid's-Tale kind of world and customers are falling for it.
Ever since QR codes, I always thought about this. This is why i never ever scanned one. You never know what you could be loading on your phone.
What a world. I’m glad I’m switching back to a boring old landline phone this summer. Dang smartphones and all the nonsense anymore 👎
Good luck with that. We've been clinging to our landline all along, but it's going to be taken away from us pretty soon. Everything is going digital. And I don't think the powers that be have a clue what's going to happen with that.
I know someone, living in a remote rural area, who tried to switch back to a landline. They were told they were not in any phone company's coverage area. When they first tried to get a phone, back in the 1970s, the company wanted to charge $300 to run the line to them, close to two week's pay. Eventually the company put in the line for free, but they were on a party line, with three nearby homes. When they picked up the phone to make a call, a neighbor would often be on, talking to someone. When one home received a call, that phone would ring, but all phones would have a vibration. They were sure a neighbor was quietly picking up and listening in. It was something like ten years before they were converted to private lines. I guess the company thinks it will cost more to maintain a long rural line than they will make in profit.
@@EinsteinsHair Man, that’s wild! I can’t believe how that worked back then. I was born in ‘80 and lived out in the Iowa countryside but we never had nothing like that kinda phone thing… kinda creepy with the lack of assured privacy. But hey, I’m going back and wrapping up all this cell phone stuff for good 👍
Pay with MONEY !
Only 5 years late.. good job FBI
They been busy......
Dont scan qr codes with your phone.
The FBI has launched a full-scale, no expense spared, investigation into whether these QR codes are of Russian origin.
OK, Comrade.
@@pointreyes4272 Si! (But in Russian)
BS .... THEY DONT CARE, THE CRIMINALS NEVER GET CAUGHT
@@ACommenterOnRUclips what's that SPAM jingle from back in the day?
Well of course they're of Russia origin. The question is how is Trump connected to all this with the Russians?
Here in Indonesia. QR scammers put them in mosque to collect donations.😂
I'm surprised this hasn't happened sooner. I always thought QR codes suck anyways.
My first thought when these came out. Never use them. Take *one* extra minute and do it the old fashioned way. Protect your phone content at all cost.
It was only a matter of time
Are you guys going to investigate identity theft and human sex trafficking from foster care being connected to this , because I couldn't complain about anything because of fear of retaliation and v constant intimidation that was made to look like my family is doing it because that's the only way they'll get help , if they agree with people who already bully us.
Always something
It's fear mongering. They want to keep you scared and corraling the ignorant... then they can pass more laws to strip you of your freedoms.
0:39 There should always be a human readable adress beside the code so you can validate where it is supposed to lead you
Please forgive this question from a non-tech person who has never used a QR code.
Do parking lots offer a different option to pay?
What if the QR code is the only option and it looks sketchy? What's a person to do to get out of the parking lot?
And , I may be one of the only people in the world to ask this: what if someone doesn't know how to scan a QR code?
Do they have to live in the parking lot for the rest of their life?😂
I'm not sure of the garage in question but all garages that I've used have an office that allow cash payment. QR code is just another way to access a website. If you had the address, you could technically just type out the address on your own but the QR code makes things easier and takes you to exactly where it's intended to take you. As the story pointed out, you could download an app that allows you to scan the QR code, giving you a barrier from your phone and a scam site but most people just use there camera to scan the code and are taken to the site directly.
@@Americaninparis2012 thank you! It's my guess that if they take cash they will also take credit cards.
It's rare for anyone where I live to carry cash.
As Luddite-ish as it seems, the idea of downloading an app to scan the codes is still a bit daunting to someone who has no idea of how to scan codes. ☺
Sometimes you can text a number on the sign. It’s often something short like 45678.
The auto reply will instruct you on how to pay. Usually with a credit card.
@@Pilikoa thank you!
@@Pilikoa thank you!
Most parking garages in my smart city of Seattle require QR scanning for payment. I won't use the services that require this.
Live by the phone and die by it.
I don't scan any QR Codes!!
That's a smooth Scam
Gotta applaud the creativity 🤷🏾♂️🤣
Haven't thought about it. Should probably look at the url and determine if it looks alright or not.
It’s literally a credit card skimmer type scam, but even lazier…
Nothing creative about criminal 💩. 🤨
@@Readysetgo2007 I'll have to admit, I've dislike QR codes for a while suspecting something similar to this would happen.
@@jakemartinez6894 But this scam you could probably avoid by checking the link. Don't know how to avoid that credit card skimmer scam. 😕
And they want us to trust them with our biometrics? LOL
Great piece of advice: make sure they look legit🤦♂️
The amount of bravery this took was INSANE. These people all had their lives in danger, but still decided to go through with the recovery for the sake of busting bad scammers. True respect *Strong widget!*
If the FBI was half as dedicated and ingenious (and honest) as you guys are, the USA would be a much safer country.
Amazing work!
Cell phone is not a good wallet. Period.
I guess there is a need for more FBI agents.
It's interesting that suddenly they are doing their job🤔😂
@@theericn1234 crazy what they can accomplish when the FBI is funded! 🎉😂
To busy doing diversity training...😂😂😂
You seem to be under the impression that the FBI is here to protect us and stop crime ...
They been busy.
"We updated our QR codes with our branding"
The scammers: what a coincidence, we also updated our QR codes with your branding.
And now everybody knows how to do it.
Yeah. Because everyone knows the world population is 6,000 people.
24 years old and never used a QR code 🤷♀️ I don't even think my old walmart phone I'm using does that type of scan anyways lol .
I never use QR code. I knew it was a matter of time scammers will use this technology.
Once they say, “You’re safety is our priority”. You know it’s not. Boeing
Using cash is going to start looking sexy again with all these stupid scams.
How late is this 😂
This wicked world. Too much 🙄
Companies come up with new technologies and rush then to market, without taking the time to make sure, there are safeguards in place to protect the end user. Why can't the scammers be tracked? Because the tech companies don't want them to be.
There's always a trade-off between privacy and security. We could solve this by tracking every penny everyone spends, and where they were standing when they spent it, just like in China. But we'd rather refund some people for parking costs than go down that road.
There has to be a happy medium somewhere though. PS not everyone whom gets scammed gets their money back. The tech companies and financial institutions sometimes lay the blame at the feet of end user for (being complicit). It's a consumer beware world. Honest people are truly on our own.
rushing is new standard. that's why i have always hated updates, because devs rush things and only care for quick profits. they never properly test things.
scammers can't be tracked, because they are smarter than their dumb brainless victims. it's called using aliases and anonymous VPN.
you can buy a verified bank account from onion market for like 20 bucks. scammers usually just do them themselves.
you are delusional about the tech company conspiracy. there's no such thing. what "tech company" you refer to exactly? there are no tech companies who protect scammers. .. this is such total nonsense, you dont seem to even understand how to track someone online. for that you need IP address or follow their accounts. at some point they have to transfer or withdraw the money, that's what you can track aswell, but if they use alias account, then they just abandon it. that's why scammers are hard to track ... not cuz of some "tech companies" lol.