Scanned and Scammed: Understanding The Face and QR Cons
Main TakeawaysScammers are faking Binance support to trick you into sending face videos or scanning QR codes.If you fall into this trap, you will grant the scammers precious access to your accounts. Our teams are on constant alert, but it is down to users to say no to suspicious requests and report red flags immediately. Only use official channels for any Binance-related communications: anything else is likely a scam.Crypto scams are evolving, and scammers are now targeting Binance users with a crafty double play: fake face verification and QR code traps. Often scammers post as Binance’s official support team in order to lure you into submitting your credentials. Binance teams are tracking these threats 24/7, but your quick action is still crucial. In this post, we’ll unpack how these face and QR tricks work, share a cautionary tale, and give you the tools to outsmart the criminals.The Nature of Face and QR ScamsThese scams are all about impersonation and deception. Scammers often use a combination of two tactics to bypass your security.Face Verification Deception: Scammers pretend to be “Binance support” and ask for a face video to “verify” your account. Their ultimate goal is to access your funds, bypassing Binance’s real verification systems using stolen data.QR Login Deception: Criminals send QR codes via WhatsApp, Telegram, or Facebook, claiming they’re for “rewards” or “updates.” Scanning these codes logs them into your Binance account instantly.Both hinge on you trusting the wrong source. One misstep, like sending a video or scanning a code, can lead to a full account takeover.How Face and QR Scams WorkHere’s how these attacks play out. Face Video TrapsA scammer contacts you on Telegram or email, posing as “Binance support,” asking for a face video to “resolve an issue.”They use the video to mimic you with AI or pair it with stolen data to pass verification.Your account’s unlocked, and your funds are gone.QR Code ConsYou get a message on WhatsApp or Facebook with a QR code for “rewards” or “login help.”As per the function of our QR login feature, scanning this code will automatically sign the scammer into your Binance account.They will transfer your crypto to their wallets before you notice the breach.A stolen phone with Binance access makes it even worse as scammers can combine these tricks for a swift heist.Here’s a real example. A user named Lisa got a WhatsApp message with a QR code promising “Binance rewards.” She scanned it, thinking it was legit. Minutes later, her account was compromised, and her crypto was at risk. She froze it just in time, but it was a close call.These cons thrive on social media and messaging apps, where scammers impersonate us with pushy “support” messages or enticing offers. Whether it’s a video request or a QR code, their goal is the same: to sneak past your defenses and drain your wallet.A “reward” QR code could be a scammer’s key to your account.Targets: Crypto Users WorldwideAnyone can fall for these scams, but users on social media platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Facebook are prime targets. Regions with high device theft rates, like busy cities or travel hubs, face extra risk, especially for phones that aren't locked down. If you’re quick to trust “support” or scan codes, scammers are going to exploit this trust mercilessly.Secure your device to block these tricks.Binance Risk Team’s Ongoing EffortsWe’re fighting these threats around the clock with a range of measures:Threat Monitoring: Our team tracks fake support accounts and malicious QR code distributors, shutting them down fast.Official Channels: We only ask for videos or provide QR codes through verified sources – our app or the binance.com website.Rapid Response: Lost a device? Our 24/7 support is here to freeze your account and block potential losses.We’re staying ahead, but your caution is still your best ally.How to Protect YourselfFight back and stay safe with this 3-step safety checklist:Say No to Videos: “Support” asking for a face video on social media? It’s a scam – ignore it and report to us.Don’t Scan QR Codes: Random codes for Binance “rewards” or “help”? Don’t touch them, verify with binance.com/en/official-verification and let our Support team know ASAP.Secure Your Device: Use strong passwords and 2FA. Phone stolen with Binance access? Contact us right away to stop the crooks.Pro Tip: Only trust QR codes from our official site or app, anything else is suspect.Final ThoughtsFace and QR scams are criminals’ latest moves to snatch your Binance account, and they’re counting on you to be vulnerable to attacks. These attacks can be slick, but you’re smarter. Stick to official channels, reject suspicious offers, and lock down your devices. Binance’s support teams are here for you 24/7, but you are always the first line of defense. Be the hero of your own crypto journey. Outsmart the bad guys and keep your crypto safe by following our recommendations. Further ReadingDon’t Let AI Steal Your Face or Crypto: A Close-Up on the Face Attack ThreatGone Phishing: Don’t Let Scammers Hook Your Binance AccountWeb3 Security: Avoiding the Sticky Trap of Honeypot Scams