Cybercriminals are getting sneakier. With more online shopping, increased use of QR codes and online bill pay, they’re targeting seniors and other vulnerable adults. In this blog, we’ll explore how to stay vigilant against these tactics, and provide a list of tips that families can take to protect their personal information and finances.
QR Code Scams
Quick Response codes, or QR codes, are barcodes you scan on your phone that will lead you to a website for further information. They’ve become a common sight for everyday payment methods, from parking meters to restaurant menus. Seemingly quick and convenient, QR codes have become the latest scam of choice for fraudsters. A fraudulent QR code will lead the viewer to a fake website or download dangerous malware that compromises personal information. Since personal phones often lack cybersecurity protections usually found on work computers, scanning a fake QR code makes it very easy for scammers to trick you. Tactics include:
- Covering real QR codes with fake ones on parking meters, menus or magazines.
- Posting fraudulent QR codes into social media ads.
- Sending fake QR codes via email or text message (often embedded inside PDFs or Word doc attachments).
- Requesting that you confirm your information due to suspicious activity on your account by scanning an imposter QR code.
- Mentioning urgent-sounding topics that need your attention (like “payroll update” or “DocuSign”).
- Routing you through one or more legitimate websites before landing on a fake page.
- Adding fake security measures to look credible (like an “I’m not a robot” box).
Online Bill Pay Scams
Online bill pay has also become susceptible to fraud. In 2024, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) began a court case against a company called Doxo, which claimed to be an official payment site for several major utility companies. Instead, Doxo was collecting payments for themselves by charging people extra “delivery fees.” In some cases, payment was received days or weeks later, resorting to late fee charges, paying a bill a second time just to be safe, or even having utility services cut off. Doxo’s deception led consumers to pay “millions of dollars in junk fees,” according to Samuel Levine, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection.
Email, Text and Phone Call Scams
Unfortunately, emails, texts and phone calls that look and sound real—and are designed to trick you into sharing sensitive information or sending money—are still prevalent.
Tips for Protecting Yourself
- Always be cautious about unsolicited emails or messages.
- Consider the sender and the situation—does this request make sense?
- Inspect the QR codes for anything suspicious, like typos, strange pixelation, unusual colors or other signs it’s been tampered with.
- Be wary of any urgent-sounding language, like claims of outstanding debt, confirmation for a purchase you don’t remember making, or a problem with your account.
- Never share login or personal information after scanning a QR code, unless you’re 100% sure you’re on a trusted, legitimate site.
- Never share personal or financial information with anyone who calls you. If a caller claims to be your bank or payment service, hang up and call the number on your statement.
- When in doubt, type the company’s website directly into your browser, instead of scanning the QR code or clicking on the bill pay link.
Pro Tip: Family Code Word
One of the best things families—especially those with seniors—can do is create a family code word or question for instances when potential fraud arises over a phone call. Set a code word or question that only your family knows, such as, “What was our nickname for Uncle Jim?” This can trip up criminals posing as grandchildren or relatives in distress.
Here are some other healthy habits that lower your risk of falling victim to fraud:
- Use multifactor authentication and strong, unique passwords.
- Ignore suspicious calls, texts and emails from unknown senders.
- Monitor your bank/credit card activity and review your credit reports (you can obtain free annual reports from each of the three main bureaus).
- Limit personal information shared online.
- Avoid using public Wi‑Fi for sensitive tasks.
- Shred sensitive documents before discarding.
- Never share your Social Security number or bank details unless you’re certain it’s safe.
- Remember: legitimate organizations will never pressure you for personal information.
Where Title Insurance Fits In
Title insurance helps protect your right to ownership from any hidden claims, forgery or impersonation involving the property’s title history. It’s a critical layer of protection, but it’s not a substitute for safe cyber practices—especially around wiring funds for closing.
Work with your title team to:
- Confirm wiring instructions by phone using a verified, saved phone number. For other best practices for preventing wire fraud, click here.
- Use the title company’s secure portal or email encryption service—never an unsolicited emailed link.
- Report anything suspicious immediately (unexpected instructions, new contacts or changed numbers).
- Ask about seller impersonation safeguards and notary verification procedures.
Senior‑Friendly Tips for Preventing Cyber Fraud
(Print and share with family! Download our flyer here.)
☐ Save your bank, title company and closing agent’s direct phone numbers into your phone.
☐ Set a family code word or question for unusual phone calls.
☐ Never share passwords or codes over the phone.
☐ Avoid clicking unexpected links or scanning QR codes from emails or texts.
☐ Type website addresses directly into your browser.
☐ Treat any wiring instruction changes as suspicious—always call to verify.
☐ Check bank and credit accounts weekly during the holidays and during a real‑estate closing.
☐ Shred sensitive mail and documents.
☐ If something feels off, pause and call a trusted number.
Conclusion
Cybercriminals continue to find clever and sneaky ways to trick consumers. Here at Old Republic Title, we are committed to combating scams by working with local and federal law enforcement agencies and applying best practices to stop fraudsters in their tracks. By staying alert, using available tools and understanding your property rights and recognizing the risk of fraud, you can help protect your family, finances, personal information and home.
