QR codes are useful shortcuts to online resources via a phone's camera, but scammers are now tampering with them to direct victims to phishing pages, cryptocurrency scams and more. According to a report from the FBI, QR codes can also load malware to steal financial information and then withdraw funds from victim accounts.

According to the FBI, the overall advice to avoid falling victim to a QR code scam is to exercise caution when entering information from a website accessed via a QR code. This is especially true for a QR code that directs you to a site that you have no previous experience with.

Here are a few of the FBI's specific tips to avoid QR scams for smartphone users:

• Do not scan a randomly found QR code.
• Be extra cautious about QR codes found in public places. Look for signs of tampering such as labels placed on a poster or a QR code that doesn’t fit the original sign layout.
• Check the URL after scanning a QR code to be sure it is the site you expected.
• If a site looks different than what you expected, leave the site immediately.
• Be careful when entering credentials or financial information on a site visited via a QR code.
• Avoid downloading an app from a QR code and instead use an official app store to download.
• Call the organization if it sent a bill in email, allowing payment through a QR code to verify its authenticity.
• Don't download a QR code scanner because most smartphones have one built into the camera.
• Avoid making payments through a site navigated to from a QR code unless you are familiar with the site. Instead, manually enter a known and trusted URL to complete the payment.

As always, if you feel your financial information has been compromised, call NGFCU immediately at 800.633.2848. NGFCU has 24/7/365 personal service to assist with you with any concerns.