Utility customers targeted by QR code and barcode scams

Utility customers are increasingly being targeted by scams involving QR codes and barcodes, according to Entergy. The company is warning customers to be cautious when using codes for payments, account access or customer service.

The scams, often referred to as “quishing,” involve criminals replacing legitimate QR codes with fake ones or distributing counterfeit codes through bills, emails, text messages and printed notices. Victims may be directed to fraudulent websites or payment services designed to steal personal or financial information.

In some cases, scammers have reportedly placed fake QR codes over legitimate codes on bills, flyers or stickers. Others send messages containing QR codes while posing as customer service representatives or claim that a utility bill is overdue. After scanning the code, customers may be asked to provide banking details or make a payment through a spoofed website.

Entergy advises customers to verify the source of a QR code before scanning it and to use codes only from official company channels. Customers should also use authorized payment methods rather than following unexpected payment requests received by email or text.

Anyone who suspects they have scanned a fraudulent QR code or made a payment through a suspicious website should stop communicating with the suspected scammer, save relevant details and screenshots, and contact their utility provider directly using a trusted phone number. Suspicious incidents can also be reported to the Federal Trade Commission or the Better Business Bureau.