Latest news with #Brewer
Daily Mail
4 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Urgent warning over QR code scam draining Americans' bank accounts
A dangerous new scam is quietly sweeping across the United States, and all it takes is a quick scan of a QR code to potentially empty your bank account. Cybersecurity experts are warning of a sharp rise in 'quishing,' a form of phishing that uses malicious QR codes to trick users into handing over personal information, credit card details, and banking credentials. According to a recent report, more than 26 million Americans have already been duped by the scam, and the number is rising rapidly. QR codes, or 'quick response' codes, are commonly used by businesses to allow customers to access websites, menus, or payment portals simply by scanning the code with a smartphone. But criminals are now exploiting this convenience by placing counterfeit QR codes over real ones in high-traffic areas, such as parking meters, public transportation signs, restaurant tables, and even on delivery packages. Dustin Brewer, senior director of proactive cybersecurity at BlueVoyant, said: 'The most dangerous part is they are hiding in plain sight. Attackers can just print their own QR code and paste it over a real one, and you'll never know the difference.' Once scanned, the fraudulent QR codes often lead to lookalike websites designed to steal login credentials or financial data. Others may install malicious software onto the user's phone without them realizing it. Experts said many fake codes are printed on low-quality stickers or appear slightly misaligned when pasted over legitimate ones. If the design seems inconsistent with a brand's usual look or appears to be hastily added, it could be a red flag. 'These scams are low-effort but have a very high return,' Brewer said. 'Because QR codes are now everywhere, from gas pumps to flyers, people do not question them. That's exactly what scammers are counting on,' he warned. In Miami, city officials uncovered fake QR codes at seven different locations and removed more than 7,000 fraudulent stickers earlier this year. The city's Parking Authority reported that scammers had been placing counterfeit QR codes on parking meters, tricking drivers into entering their credit card information on fake payment websites that closely mimicked official portals. The scam extends beyond public infrastructure. In one case reported by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), victims received mysterious packages containing fake 'gifts' and a QR code labeled with a message prompting them to scan to find out who sent it. Instead, the code redirected users to phishing websites disguised as delivery return forms, which then requested login credentials or credit card information. Experts have also raised concerns that some of these fake QR codes can install malware onto users' phones, granting attackers full remote access without the victim's knowledge. These malicious programs can silently collect sensitive data, track activity, or even hijack device functions. A recent report from cybersecurity firm Malwarebytes found that 70 percent of iPhone users have scanned QR codes to make or complete a purchase, compared to 63 percent of Android users. Cybersecurity specialists also warn that attackers are embedding malicious QR codes into PDF attachments in phishing emails. Some of these emails impersonate trusted companies such as Microsoft or Adobe, further increasing the likelihood that unsuspecting recipients will scan the code and fall victim to the scam. In one of the ongoing scam, reported by Cisco , fraudsters are emailing QR codes disguised as a two-factor authentication reset requests to thousands of employees, tricking them into handing over internal access. To protect yourself, experts suggested to never scan QR codes from unknown sources, especially in emails, texts, or physical mail. Since most smartphones now display a preview of the website before opening it, cybersecurity experts recommend always checking that the link begins with ' and appears to be a legitimate web address. If the URL is misspelled, unfamiliar, or suspicious, officials warn: do not click. Users should also be wary of QR codes found on public surfaces or signage, especially if they appear tampered with, are printed on stickers, or do not match the branding around them. According to cybersecurity officials, a genuine QR code from a business will often include the company's logo, colors, or a short description of what to expect when scanning. For example, museums and educational institutions increasingly label QR codes with preview information to help guide visitors. If scanning a QR code prompts a login reset, a request for two-factor authentication details, or an offer that seems unusually generous, experts say it's likely a scam. One rising tactic involves phishing pages disguised as Microsoft login portals or fake multifactor authentication resets, which can trick users into handing over sensitive credentials. With global QR code payments expected to surpass $3 trillion in 2025, cybersecurity analysts warn that these scams will only continue to rise unless public awareness catches up. Officials are urging Americans to stay vigilant and double-check any QR code, even those that appear official, before scanning. 'QR codes weren't built with security in mind,' said Rob Lee, chief researcher at the SANS Institute. 'They were built to make life easier, which also makes them perfect for scammers.'
Daily Mail
5 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Urgent warning over QR code scam draining Americans' bank accounts... here's how to spot a fake
A dangerous new scam is quietly sweeping across the United States, and all it takes is a quick scan of a QR code to potentially empty your bank account. Cybersecurity experts are warning of a sharp rise in 'quishing,' a form of phishing that uses malicious QR codes to trick users into handing over personal information, credit card details, and banking credentials. According to a recent report, more than 26 million Americans have already been duped by the scam, and the number is rising rapidly. QR codes, or 'quick response' codes, are commonly used by businesses to allow customers to access websites, menus, or payment portals simply by scanning the code with a smartphone. But criminals are now exploiting this convenience by placing counterfeit QR codes over real ones in high-traffic areas, such as parking meters, public transportation signs, restaurant tables, and even on delivery packages. Dustin Brewer, senior director of proactive cybersecurity at BlueVoyant, said: 'The most dangerous part is they are hiding in plain sight. Attackers can just print their own QR code and paste it over a real one, and you'll never know the difference.' Once scanned, the fraudulent QR codes often lead to lookalike websites designed to steal login credentials or financial data. Others may install malicious software onto the user's phone without them realizing it. Experts said many fake codes are printed on low-quality stickers or appear slightly misaligned when pasted over legitimate ones. If the design seems inconsistent with a brand's usual look or appears to be hastily added, it could be a red flag. 'These scams are low-effort but have a very high return,' Brewer said. 'Because QR codes are now everywhere, from gas pumps to flyers, people do not question them. That's exactly what scammers are counting on,' he warned. In Miami, city officials uncovered fake QR codes at seven different locations and removed more than 7,000 fraudulent stickers earlier this year. The city's Parking Authority reported that scammers had been placing counterfeit QR codes on parking meters, tricking drivers into entering their credit card information on fake payment websites that closely mimicked official portals. The scam extends beyond public infrastructure. In one case reported by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), victims received mysterious packages containing fake 'gifts' and a QR code labeled with a message prompting them to scan to find out who sent it. Instead, the code redirected users to phishing websites disguised as delivery return forms, which then requested login credentials or credit card information. Experts have also raised concerns that some of these fake QR codes can install malware onto users' phones, granting attackers full remote access without the victim's knowledge. These malicious programs can silently collect sensitive data, track activity, or even hijack device functions. A recent report from cybersecurity firm Malwarebytes found that 70 percent of iPhone users have scanned QR codes to make or complete a purchase, compared to 63 percent of Android users. Cybersecurity specialists also warn that attackers are embedding malicious QR codes into PDF attachments in phishing emails. Some of these emails impersonate trusted companies such as Microsoft or Adobe, further increasing the likelihood that unsuspecting recipients will scan the code and fall victim to the scam. In one of the ongoing scam, reported by Cisco, fraudsters are emailing QR codes disguised as a two-factor authentication reset requests to thousands of employees, tricking them into handing over internal access. To protect yourself, experts suggested to never scan QR codes from unknown sources, especially in emails, texts, or physical mail. Since most smartphones now display a preview of the website before opening it, cybersecurity experts recommend always checking that the link begins with ' and appears to be a legitimate web address. If the URL is misspelled, unfamiliar, or suspicious, officials warn: do not click. Users should also be wary of QR codes found on public surfaces or signage, especially if they appear tampered with, are printed on stickers, or do not match the branding around them. According to cybersecurity officials, a genuine QR code from a business will often include the company's logo, colors, or a short description of what to expect when scanning. For example, museums and educational institutions increasingly label QR codes with preview information to help guide visitors. If scanning a QR code prompts a login reset, a request for two-factor authentication details, or an offer that seems unusually generous, experts say it's likely a scam. One rising tactic involves phishing pages disguised as Microsoft login portals or fake multifactor authentication resets, which can trick users into handing over sensitive credentials. With global QR code payments expected to surpass $3 trillion in 2025, cybersecurity analysts warn that these scams will only continue to rise unless public awareness catches up. Officials are urging Americans to stay vigilant and double-check any QR code, even those that appear official, before scanning.
USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Class of 2027 Notre Dame in-state DE target Jayce Brewer picks up an offer from LSU
Notre Dame received a big commitment in its 2027 recruiting class this past Thursday when quarterback Teddy Jarrard pledged to the Fighting Irish. Landing a quarterback of his caliber early in a class is always a nice luxury, as it could potentially set the table for a special class. The Irish are in play for some intriguing prospects on the other side of the ball in this class as well, including in-state Franklin Central (Indianapolis, IN) defensive end Jayce Brewer. But the Irish will have some work to do in order to get his commitment. Brewer has a lot of offers from major programs, and he just picked another one up from Brian Kelly and LSU. The four-star prospect is the No. 3 player from the state of Indiana for the 2027 class, per the 247Sports Composite Rankings. The 6-foot-5, 240-pound pass rusher has offers from major programs such as Michigan, Penn State and Florida, among others, in addition to the Irish and LSU. Last season, Brewer recorded 12 tackles for loss along with three sacks and an interception. Marcus Freeman, Al Washington and Co. are in the mix for the athletic and raw Brewer, but they will have to hold off LSU and others for his pledge. Contact/Follow us @IrishWireND on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Notre Dame news, notes and opinions. Follow Dave on X: Miller_Dave
USA Today
22-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
2025 Arizona Cardinals training camp roster preview: LS Aaron Brewer
We will preview every player on the Cardinals roster leading up to training camp. This is about LS Aaron Brewer. The Arizona Cardinals report to training camp on July 22 and begin the process of preparing for the regular season, forming the roster and determining starting jobs and roles on the team. Leading up to the start of camp, we will take a look at every player on the offseason roster, their background, their contract, their play in 2024, questions they face and their roster outlook. Next up is long snapper Aaron Brewer. Aaron Brewer background, 2024 season Brewer, now 35 years old, enters his 14th NFL season and his 10th as the Cardinals' long snapper. The first four seasons of his career were with the Denver Broncos. He joined the Cardinals in 2016 after undrafted rookie Kameron Canaday didn't work out. He has been the guy ever since. Last season, he played in every game for the second straight season. Aaron Brewer 2025 contract details, cap hit Brewer re-signed this offseason on a one-year, $1.42 million contract with a signing bonus of $167,500. His salary is not guaranteed. As a qualifying veteran contract, his cap hit will be nearly $1.2 million instead of the full amount of his contract. Questions he faces, roster outlook At this point in his career, the only question is whether he can remain healthy and consistent at age 35. The Cardinals did bring in a trio of long snappers for a tryout on Monday, so that raises some questions, but now with the team for a decade, the job is more or less his until he decides he is done. Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
Business Wire
21-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Ellis George LLP: CA Court of Appeal Upholds $5 Million Jury Verdict Against Bristol-Meyers-Squibb-owned Impact Biomedicines
SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Ellis George LLP announced that The California Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District, has reversed a trial court order that reduced a jury verdict against Impact Biomedicines and instead reinstated the original $5,020,000 award. Impact Biomedicines, a division of Bristol-Meyers-Squibb, and Impact Biomedicine's founder and owner, Dr. John Hood, must pay San Diego physician and Alzheimer's researcher James Brewer M.D., Ph.D., more than $1 million in compensatory damages and $4 million in punitive damages in a fraudulent concealment case filed in 2019. Dr. Brewer, chair of the neurology department at UC San Diego, was represented by Christopher W. Arledge and Courtney L. Mitchell, both of Ellis George LLP, and Peter Afrasiabi of One LLP. At trial in the San Diego County Superior Court, a 12-member jury awarded Dr. Brewer more than $5 million, finding that Impact Biomedicines and Dr. Hood had defrauded Dr. Brewer as part of Impact Biomedicines' effort to end an FDA-mandated clinical hold and get Impact Biomedicines' experimental cancer drug approved. The jury accepted Dr. Brewer's argument that Impact Biomedicines and Dr. Hood had misled the FDA about the work Dr. Brewer had done for them and the conclusions he had reached and then concealed its false statements to the FDA from Dr. Brewer. Later, the trial court agreed that Dr. Brewer had proven his fraud case but reduced the damages number significantly. At the time, Mr. Arledge said he disagreed with the court's decision to reduce the damages and predicted that the trial court's order would be reversed on appeal. Today it was. According to the Court of Appeal's opinion, 'We conclude that substantial evidence supports the jury's findings on liability and damages, and the jury's award of punitive damages was not constitutionally excessive…' 'This was a hard-fought win against a very well-funded opponent and one of the largest, most-prestigious law firms in the country. Now a jury, a trial court, and an appellate court have all agreed that Dr. Brewer proved his fraud claim, and we're grateful to the Court of Appeal for recognizing that the trial court's reduction in Dr. Brewer's damages was a legal error,' said Mr. Arledge. 'This is an important win for Dr. Brewer and for patients who must be able to rely on the FDA drug-approval process.' Impact Biomedicines was represented by Colleen C. Smith, John T. Ryan, Andrew R. Gray, and Melissa Arbus Sherry, all of Latham & Watkins. James Brewer v Impact Biomedicines, et al. Superior Court No. 37-2019-00067876-CU-CO-CTL About Ellis George LLP Ellis George LLP is an elite litigation and trial firm based in Los Angeles and with offices in San Francisco and New York. Whether plaintiff or defendant, individual, Fortune 500 corporation or entrepreneur, clients call upon Ellis George when seeking litigation counsel of the highest quality, creativity, dedication, and ethics. Visit
