Download
Shoppers scanning matrix barcodes for discounts are getting more than they bargained for - malicious software.
A growing number of people are reporting scams involvingthe codes, the black-and-white squares now seen on most advertisements.
When shoppers use smartphones to scan the codes, their devices open a website for a company or product and often receive a discount voucher.
However, instead of receiving a bonus, many people say they have fallen victim to crooks.
Media in Shijiazhuang, the capital of Hebei province, reported on Monday that a woman had money wiped from her phone account after scanning a matrix barcode on an ad on the wall of a bus stop.
The woman, identified only as Liu, immediately received a text message saying she had been charged 100 yuan ($16).
"The code she scanned must have been malware, which can put the user's privacy at risk," said Zhao Zhiyu, a matrix barcode expert who used to apply the codes to medicine management.
Risks include corrupted privacy settings, identity theft, links to dangerous websites containing browser exploits and even viruses.
But the two-dimensional codes do provide conveniences for smartphone users, Zhao said.
For example, users can install a program after scanning a specific code, saving time for them.
"It's not difficult to generate a code based on their own needs, since there are several types of software online," he said.
However, Zhao said, this ease of use allows some people to come up with malicious codes.
No effective measures or rules have been released to control the growing misuse of the codes.
"We don't know who should be responsible for the loss -the cellphone operators or the government," Zhao said.
More than 351,000 links contained in matrix barcodes were found to be dangerous and about 2,550 viruses were detected by the end of February, according to statistics from a Tencent antivirus program, which means 1.5 out of every 100 smartphone users may be attacked by a virus or access malware when scanning matrix barcodes.
As such cases increase, some people are holding off using the codes.
"I am reluctant to scan matrix barcodes recently, because you don't know how to identify whether they contain malicious codes or not until you read it with your phone," said Bao Lili, from Zhangjiakou city, who previously liked to scan codes for discounts such as 5 yuan off the price of a movie ticket.
But the 29-year-old now refuses to scan codes because one of her colleagues lost about 300 yuan after accidentally installing malicious software.
"She didn't get her money back because she didn't know whom she could claim the loss from," she said.
Considering the ease with which codes can be made and their lack of supervision, Zhang Zhiyu warned users to be careful when scanning.
Li Yuxiao, a professor of social networks from the Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, agreed with him, adding that it is better to scan matrix codes from regular websites instead of from posters on the street or other sources.
About the broadcaster:
Lance Crayon is a videographer and editor with China Daily. Since living in Beijing he has worked for China Radio International (CRI) and Global Times. Before moving to China he worked in the film industry in Los Angeles as a talent agent and producer. He has a B.A. in English from the University of Texas at Arlington.
2017年高考英语一轮复习讲练测:必修1.5《 Nelson Mandela-a modern hero》(测)(原卷版)
体坛英语资讯:Oscar, Hulk score as Shanghai SIPG crush Wanderers 5-1 in AFC Champions League
国内英语资讯: China sets up 1st national PPP trading platform
2017届广东省广州市天河中学高考英语语法一轮复习基础知识点精讲:动词语态01(含答案)
2017年高考英语一轮复习讲练测:必修1.5《 Nelson Mandela-a modern hero》(讲)(原卷版)
2017届高考英语一轮单元复习阅读理解训练:Unit 6《Design》(北师大版含解析)
2017年高考英语一轮复习讲练测:必修1.5《 Nelson Mandela-a modern hero》(练)(原卷版)
2017届高考英语一轮复习写作增分技巧讲解课件:4 教你如何衔接与过渡
2017届高考英语一轮单元复习阅读理解训练:Unit 5《Rhythm》(北师大版含解析)
2017届广东省广州市天河中学高考英语语法一轮复习基础知识点精讲:动词语态02(含答案)
体坛英语资讯:Irans Persepolis beat Al Wahda in AFC competitions
诺基亚把17年前的机型拿来卖,是穷疯了吗?
2017届高考英语一轮单元复习阅读理解训练:Unit 4《Cyberspace》(北师大版含解析)
马来西亚将就金正男暗杀案提出指控
2017届广东省广州市天河中学高考英语语法一轮复习基础知识点精讲:独立主格结构02(含答案)
2017届高考英语一轮复习写作增分技巧讲解课件:6 书面表达常见错误及对策
娱乐英语资讯:Roundup: Milan Fashion Week flies into more modern, young generation by showcasing global em
怪事:法国网友招呼奥巴马竞选总统
国内英语资讯: China lifts 12.4 mln people out of poverty in 2016
2017届高考英语一轮单元复习阅读理解训练:Unit 2《Heroes》(北师大版含解析)
2017届高考英语一轮单元复习阅读理解训练:Unit 1《Lifestyles》(北师大版含解析)
2017年高考英语一轮复习讲练测:必修1.2《 English around the world》(讲) (原卷版)
2017年高考英语一轮复习讲练测:必修1.4《 Earthquakes》(讲)(原卷版)
2017届高考英语一轮复习写作增分技巧讲解课件:3 教你如何扩展句子
美国上诉法庭拒绝按川普的要求暂时搁置旅行禁令案
2017届广东省广州市天河中学高考英语语法一轮复习基础知识点精讲:动词时态02(含答案)
2017届广东省广州市天河中学高考英语语法一轮复习基础知识点精讲:独立主格结构01(含答案)
2017年高考英语一轮复习讲练测:必修1.4《 Earthquakes》(练)(原卷版)
特朗普女顾问穿鞋跪白宫沙发遭批
2017届广东省广州市天河中学高考英语语法一轮复习基础知识点精讲:动词时态03(含答案)
不限 |
英语教案 |
英语课件 |
英语试题 |
不限 |
不限 |
上册 |
下册 |
不限 |