Alongside the use of CAPTCHA's, this new texting scam is even harder to detect by automated software.

Fraudsters typically text a photo of a forged summons, then tack on a QR code or a link that leads to a spoofed payment site.

Scammers have used QR codes to steal personal information by imitating legitimate companies or sending deceptive emails and text messages, the Federal Trade Commission said. By Amanda Holpuch QR codes ...

Designed as a high-tech marketing resource, QR (quick response) codes have many useful applications. These (usually) black-and-white algorithmic codes are gateways to a potential multimedia nirvana.