QR code scams are on the rise
Most of us got good at scanning QR codes during Covid. But there’s a growing problem called quishing (QR code phishing).
Scammers print fake QR codes and stick them over real ones — on parking meters, café tables, flyers, or even in emails. When you scan it, you’re taken to a fake website and can end up handing over bank details or downloading malware.
Golden rules:
- Look before you scan — Is the QR code a sticker placed over something else? That’s a red flag.
- Check the URL before tapping. If it looks odd (misspellings, strange characters), don’t tap it.
- Never scan a QR code in an unexpected email. Banks, Medicare, and the ATO will never ask you to scan a QR code in an email.
- When in doubt, go direct — Type the website address yourself instead of scanning.
QR codes from trusted places (menus, event tickets, business cards) are generally fine. It’s the unexpected ones that deserve a second look.
What is all this AI stuff — and do I need it?
You can’t turn on the TV or open a newspaper without hearing about Artificial Intelligence. But what actually is it, and does it matter to someone in Pleasant Hills?
The short answer: Yes — and you probably already have it on your phone.
Think of AI like a very well-read assistant who has consumed an enormous amount of information and can have a conversation with you about almost anything. You type (or speak) a question, and it answers in plain English. It can help you write things, explain things, look things up, and work through problems.
It’s not magic, and it’s not always right — but it’s genuinely useful once you know what to use it for.
We’ll cover more practical uses of AI in future Tech Corner articles.
— Yvonne Lee