Watch Out, Milwaukee: The “Brushing” Scam Is Here
A clever and dangerous scam is making its way across the country, and Milwaukee residents are now being warned to stay alert. Known as the “Brushing” scam, this scheme involves unsolicited packages and a seemingly harmless QR code that can compromise your personal and financial information. Here’s how it works and how you can protect yourself.
How the Brushing Scam Works
The scam starts when you receive a surprise package from a well-known retailer like Amazon or Walmart. Inside the box, you’ll find a gift—anything from jewelry to a Bluetooth speaker. There’s no sender information, only a slip of paper with a QR code. The note claims you can scan the code to learn who sent the gift.
It’s tempting, but don’t scan the QR code! Doing so allows scammers to infiltrate your phone, stealing sensitive data and potentially draining your bank accounts.
Victims Are Losing Big
The Marathon County Crime Stoppers recently issued a warning about the scam on social media, highlighting how victims often find their bank accounts emptied shortly after scanning the QR code. Once the scammers have access to your phone, they can retrieve banking details, passwords, and other personal information stored on your device.
The Broader Danger of QR Codes
This isn’t the only scam involving QR codes. Criminals have been known to place fake codes on parking meters, public signs, or kiosks, leading unsuspecting users to phishing sites or malware downloads. As QR codes become more common in everyday life, it’s essential to verify their legitimacy before scanning.
How to Protect Yourself
Stay ahead of the scammers with these tips:
- Never scan QR codes from unknown or unsolicited packages.
- Be skeptical of surprise gifts with no return address or sender information.
- Warn your friends and family, especially older adults, who may be more likely to fall for these tricks.
- Use strong security measures on your phone, like antivirus software and password protection.
- Monitor your bank accounts frequently for unusual activity.
Spread the Word
Milwaukeeans, don’t let these scammers ruin someone’s holiday cheer. Share this warning with your loved ones and report suspicious packages or scams to local authorities. Staying informed is the first step in staying safe.
Keep Milwaukee safe and scam-free this season! For more updates on local news and safety alerts, follow Milwaukee Reports. Together, we can outsmart the scammers.
