Scam Alert: Quick Response Codes, how you can be tricked

With the scan of a smartphone, QR codes can take you anywhere, from websites to magazine articles, and coupons, companies are using this new technology to connect.

And as you spot these codes, scammers are seeing opportunity.

Angie Barnett with the Better Business Bureau said bogus QR codes can send malware into your cellphone which could give hackers access to any of the personal information it carries.

"Why is that of concern? More and more of us are now doing online banking and doing financial transactions, including our credit cards, on our cell phone, she said."

So how do you outsmart the scammers who want to skim your smartphone?

She offers the following tips:

--Download an app so you can preview the QR code first
--Only scan codes from businesses you know
--Make sure QR code hasn't been covered with a sticker