QR codes and messaging apps

Scammers using QR codes to lead people to fake WeChat or WhatsApp groups to steal personal information and compromise their devices.

example of scanning a QR code using a camera app to preview the URL

We’ve noticed an increase in unsafe QR codes being used on campus that direct you to join a private WeChat or WhatsApp group.

Sometimes they look like an official University of Melbourne chat group, or they could pretend to be a study group with the promise of providing you with study notes and answers to exams.

Once in the group, scammers could collect your personal information or send you links to install software on your device that could steal your passwords, photos, videos and more.

How you can stay safe
  • Be suspicious of large group chats that promise study notes and guides
  • Only scan a QR code if you trust the person who is displaying it
  • Always scan a QR code using your phone’s camera app so that you can see a preview of the link before you visit it, like in the screenshot below: