With Black Friday around the corner, shoppers are on the lookout for deals, but scammers have a different agenda. Cybercriminals are taking advantage of the surge in package deliveries to execute scams right at people’s doorsteps.

Recent reports have highlighted a rise in quishing, a tactic where criminals embed phishing attacks within QR codes. This approach, combined with a revived brushing scam, is becoming more aggressive as Black Friday approaches.

According to technology specialist Theodore Ullrich from Tomorrow Lab, scammers are leveraging consumers’ anticipation of deliveries to intensify their fraudulent activities. The scam often involves sending unsolicited parcels with QR codes that lead to phishing websites, aiming to steal personal and financial information.

Ullrich warns that scammers are becoming more sophisticated by using easily obtained personal information to make their parcels appear legitimate. Victims may unknowingly fall for these scams, risking their sensitive data and finances.

To combat these threats, Ullrich advises people to be cautious of unexpected parcels and to verify their origins through official channels. He stresses the importance of not scanning QR codes from unknown sources and recommends taking steps to secure personal information, such as changing passwords and enabling two-factor authentication.

As the holiday season approaches, Ullrich urges individuals to stay vigilant and not rush into actions prompted by scammers. Being alert and questioning suspicious activities can help prevent falling victim to these elaborate scams.