On Thursday, Oct. 15, a Howard University graduate was defrauded of nearly $2,500 after scanning a fraudulent QR code while trying to purchase a bottle of water from a vendor in Midtown Atlanta.
The QR code appeared to belong to the seller, but it actually directed the payment to the scammer, resulting in the loss of $2,500.
Authorities note that QR code payment scams are becoming more common, targeting consumers who make small purchases in public areas.