⚠️—Details

  🌡️Loading conditions… 💨Wind — ☀️UV — 🌬️Air — 🏄Surf — 🌊Tide — 📅Forecast — 🌅— 🕐--:--

  [![Palm Coast Local](https://palmcoastlocal.com/images/logos/Palm_Coast_Local_Community_Hub.webp)](https://palmcoastlocal.com)

🔍 **Sammy Quick Search** — businesses & events

🎙️ Listening…

 ![ALICE](https://palmcoastlocal.com/images/ALICE/ask-alice-palmcoastlocal.png)

Live Now

Meet ALICE

Your Palm Coast AI Guide
Ask — free!

 [Ask ALICE →](https://palmcoastlocal.com/ta)

 🔴 Breaking News

  [🏠 Home](https://palmcoastlocal.com) [📅 Events](https://palmcoastlocal.com/events) [📰 Articles](https://palmcoastlocal.com/index.php?option=com_jpagebuilder&view=page&id=23) [🏷️ Deals](https://palmcoastlocal.com/component/jbusinessdirectory/offers?Itemid=520) [ Ask ALICE](https://palmcoastlocal.com/ta) [🏖️ Beaches](https://palmcoastlocal.com/flagler-county-beaches-map) [🪧 Garage Sales](https://palmcoastlocal.com/alice-articles/69-things-to-do/581-garage-sales-in-flagler-county-and-palm-coast-florida) [📞 Call](tel:3865380999) [+ List Business](https://palmcoastlocal.com/add-a-business)

 **Air Quality**Palm Coast & Flagler County

Official data from the U.S. EPA & AirNow

' + (it.date ? ''+it.date+'

' : '') + ''; }); document.getElementById('pclh-breaking-list').innerHTML=html; document.getElementById('pclh-breaking-wrap').classList.add('on'); }) .catch(function(){}); /* ── WEATHER ALERTS (NWS official watches / warnings) ── */ window.pclhToggleAlert=function(){ var d=document.getElementById('pclh-alert-detail'); d.style.display = (d.style.display==='block') ? 'none' : 'block'; }; fetch('https://api.weather.gov/alerts/active?point='+LAT+','+LNG) .then(function(r){ if(!r.ok) throw 0; return r.json(); }) .then(function(d){ if(!d.features||!d.features.length) return; var order={'Extreme':4,'Severe':3,'Moderate':2,'Minor':1,'Unknown':0}; var alerts=d.features.slice().sort(function(a,b){ return (order[b.properties.severity]||0)-(order[a.properties.severity]||0); }); var a=alerts[0].properties, banner=document.getElementById('pclh-alert'); var evt=(a.event||'Weather Alert'), lower=evt.toLowerCase(); if(lower.indexOf('warning')!==-1||lower.indexOf('hurricane')!==-1){banner.className='';} else if(lower.indexOf('watch')!==-1){banner.className='watch';} else {banner.className='advisory';} var ic='\u26A0\uFE0F'; if(lower.indexOf('heat')!==-1) ic='\uD83D\uDD25'; else if(lower.indexOf('hurricane')!==-1||lower.indexOf('tropical')!==-1) ic='\uD83C\uDF00'; else if(lower.indexOf('tornado')!==-1) ic='\uD83C\uDF2A\uFE0F'; else if(lower.indexOf('thunder')!==-1||lower.indexOf('storm')!==-1) ic='\u26C8\uFE0F'; else if(lower.indexOf('flood')!==-1) ic='\uD83C\uDF0A'; else if(lower.indexOf('rip current')!==-1) ic='\uD83C\uDFCA'; else if(lower.indexOf('wind')!==-1) ic='\uD83D\uDCA8'; banner.querySelector('.ic').textContent=ic; document.getElementById('pclh-alert-text').textContent = evt.toUpperCase() + (alerts.length>1 ? ' (+'+(alerts.length-1)+' more)' : ''); banner.style.display='block'; var html=''; alerts.forEach(function(f){ var p=f.properties; html += '**'+(p.event||'Alert')+'**'+(p.headline?p.headline:'')+ (p.description?''+String(p.description).substring(0,450).replace(/\n/g,' ')+'…

':'')+ '---

'; }); document.querySelector('#pclh-alert-detail .wrap').innerHTML=html; }) .catch(function(){}); /* ── WEATHER · WIND · UV · FORECAST · SUN ── */ var wCodes={0:['Clear','\u2600\uFE0F'],1:['Mainly Clear','\uD83C\uDF24\uFE0F'],2:['Partly Cloudy','\u26C5'],3:['Overcast','\u2601\uFE0F'],45:['Fog','\uD83C\uDF2B\uFE0F'],48:['Fog','\uD83C\uDF2B\uFE0F'],51:['Drizzle','\uD83C\uDF26\uFE0F'],53:['Drizzle','\uD83C\uDF26\uFE0F'],55:['Drizzle','\uD83C\uDF26\uFE0F'],61:['Light Rain','\uD83C\uDF27\uFE0F'],63:['Rain','\uD83C\uDF27\uFE0F'],65:['Heavy Rain','\uD83C\uDF27\uFE0F'],80:['Showers','\uD83C\uDF26\uFE0F'],81:['Showers','\uD83C\uDF26\uFE0F'],82:['Heavy Showers','\u26C8\uFE0F'],95:['Thunderstorms','\u26C8\uFE0F'],96:['Thunderstorms','\u26C8\uFE0F'],99:['Thunderstorms','\u26C8\uFE0F']}; fetch('https://api.open-meteo.com/v1/forecast?latitude='+LAT+'&longitude='+LNG+ '&current=temperature_2m,apparent_temperature,weather_code,wind_speed_10m,wind_direction_10m,uv_index'+ '&daily=sunrise,sunset,temperature_2m_max,temperature_2m_min,weather_code,precipitation_probability_max'+ '&temperature_unit=fahrenheit&wind_speed_unit=mph&timezone=America/New_York&forecast_days=1') .then(function(r){return r.json();}) .then(function(d){ var c=d.current, wc=wCodes[c.weather_code]||['—','\uD83C\uDF21\uFE0F']; var temp=Math.round(c.temperature_2m), feels=Math.round(c.apparent_temperature); var feelsTxt=(Math.abs(feels-temp)>=3)?'feels '+feels+'°':''+wc\[0\]+''; document.getElementById('ci-wx').innerHTML=''+wc\[1\]+'**'+temp+'°F**'+feelsTxt; var dirs=['N','NE','E','SE','S','SW','W','NW']; var dir=dirs[Math.round(c.wind_direction_10m/45)%8]; document.getElementById('ci-wind').innerHTML='\\uD83D\\uDCA8'+dir+' '+Math.round(c.wind\_speed\_10m)+' mph'; if(c.uv_index!=null){ var uvr=Math.round(c.uv_index),cls,lbl; if(uvr\u2600\uFE0FUV '+uvr+' '+lbl+''; } if(d.daily){ var hi=Math.round(d.daily.temperature_2m_max[0]); var lo=Math.round(d.daily.temperature_2m_min[0]); var pop=d.daily.precipitation_probability_max?d.daily.precipitation_probability_max[0]:null; var fwc=wCodes[d.daily.weather_code[0]]||['','\uD83D\uDCC5']; var fc=''+fwc\[1\]+'Today '+hi+'° / '+lo+'°'; if(pop!=null&&pop>0) fc+=' · '+pop+'% rain'; fc+=''; document.getElementById('ci-fc').innerHTML=fc; var sr=new Date(d.daily.sunrise[0]).toLocaleTimeString('en-US',{hour:'numeric',minute:'2-digit',hour12:true}); var ss=new Date(d.daily.sunset[0]).toLocaleTimeString('en-US',{hour:'numeric',minute:'2-digit',hour12:true}); document.getElementById('ci-sun').innerHTML='\\uD83C\\uDF05'+sr+' · \\uD83C\\uDF07 '+ss+''; } }) .catch(function(){document.getElementById('ci-wx').innerHTML='\\uD83C\\uDF21\\uFE0FWeather n/a';}); /* ── AIR QUALITY (chip + AirNow modal) ── */ window.aqiOpen=function(){document.getElementById('aqi-modal').classList.add('open');document.body.style.overflow='hidden';}; window.aqiClose=function(){document.getElementById('aqi-modal').classList.remove('open');document.body.style.overflow='';}; document.addEventListener('keydown',function(e){ if(e.key==='Escape'){ window.aqiClose(); document.getElementById('pclh-breaking-panel').classList.remove('open'); document.getElementById('pclh-breaking-chip').classList.remove('open'); } }); fetch('https://air-quality-api.open-meteo.com/v1/air-quality?latitude='+LAT+'&longitude='+LNG+'&current=us_aqi&timezone=America/New_York') .then(function(r){return r.json();}) .then(function(d){ var aqi=d.current&&d.current.us_aqi; if(aqi==null)throw 0; var cls,lbl; if(aqi\uD83C\uDF2C\uFE0FAir '+aqi+' '+lbl+'\\u25B8'; }) .catch(function(){ document.getElementById('ci-aqi').innerHTML='\\uD83C\\uDF2C\\uFE0FAir Quality\\u25B8'; }); /* ── SURF ── */ fetch('https://marine-api.open-meteo.com/v1/marine?latitude='+LAT+'&longitude='+LNG+'&current=wave_height&length_unit=imperial&timezone=America/New_York') .then(function(r){return r.json();}).then(function(d){ if(d.current&&d.current.wave_height!=null){ document.getElementById('ci-surf').innerHTML='\\uD83C\\uDFC4Surf ~'+d.current.wave\_height.toFixed(1)+' ft'; }else{document.getElementById('ci-surf').style.display='none';} }) .catch(function(){document.getElementById('ci-surf').style.display='none';}); /* ── TIDE (NOAA 8720833 Flagler Beach) ── */ function ymd(dt){return dt.getFullYear()+String(dt.getMonth()+1).padStart(2,'0')+String(dt.getDate()).padStart(2,'0');} var td=new Date(); fetch('https://api.tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/api/prod/datagetter?product=predictions&application=palmcoastlocal&begin_date='+ymd(td)+'&end_date='+ymd(td)+'&datum=MLLW&station=8720833&time_zone=lst_ldt&units=english&interval=hilo&format=json') .then(function(r){return r.json();}).then(function(d){ if(!d.predictions||!d.predictions.length)throw 0; var now=new Date(),next=null; d.predictions.forEach(function(p){var t=new Date(p.t.replace(' ','T'));if(!next&&t>now)next=p;}); if(!next)next=d.predictions[d.predictions.length-1]; var t=new Date(next.t.replace(' ','T')); var ts=t.toLocaleTimeString('en-US',{hour:'numeric',minute:'2-digit',hour12:true}); document.getElementById('ci-tide').innerHTML='\\uD83C\\uDF0A'+(next.type==='H'?'High':'Low')+' tide '+ts+''; }) .catch(function(){document.getElementById('ci-tide').innerHTML='\\uD83C\\uDF0ATide n/a';}); /* ── active nav highlight ── */ document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded',function(){ var here=window.location.href; document.querySelectorAll('#pclh-nav a').forEach(function(a){ a.classList.remove('pclh-active'); var h=a.getAttribute('href'); if(h&&here.indexOf(h)!==-1&&h!=='https://palmcoastlocal.com')a.classList.add('pclh-active'); }); }); })();

  #  Hackers Hijacking QR Codes: Including Pay Apps

    Details    Written by: Palm Coast Local   Parent Category: [ALICE](https://palmcoastlocal.com/alice-articles)   Category: [Consumer & Finance](https://palmcoastlocal.com/consumer-finance)    Published: 27 December 2023    ![Hackers Hijacking QR Codes in Pay Apps](https://palmcoastlocal.com/images/BusinessBlog/qr-code-types-avoid-malicious-qr-codes.jpg) Hackers are hijacking QR codes in Palm Coast and across Florida to steal personal information and payment data. Scammers replace legitimate QR codes on parking meters, restaurant menus, and pay apps with malicious codes that redirect you to fake websites. Palm Coast residents should know how to spot fake QR codes and protect themselves from this growing threat.

Back in 2022, the FBI warned device users about QR codes being hacked, the warning is back. Even though local businesses use them for good stuff like guiding you to a website, products or reviews, things can get sketchy when these codes are out in the open.

So, a QR code is like a fancy barcode on products. It hides a web links or info inside it. There are three types of QR Codes:

1. **Standard QR Codes:** Black and white with messy dots and squares.
2. **Dynamic QR Codes:** Colored with a symbol or logo in the middle.
3. **A.I. Generated QR Codes:** Super colorful with pixel images.

![QR Code Types and How To Use Them and Not Get Hacked or Download Malicious Items.](https://palmcoastlocal.com/images/BusinessBlog/Standard%20QR%20Codes.jpg)

Before, QR codes used to direct you straight to a website or download without asking or prompting permission, with smartphones, you can now see the web link before you decide.

**Tip:** Be careful. Look at the whole web link before you click. Check for:

- **HTTPS:** It means it's secure. If it's just HTTP, it's not.
- **Check the Web Link:** Make sure it's what it claims to be.
- **Long Numbers are Suspicious:** If the web link is just a long string of numbers, be wary.
- **Downloading is Risky:** If it tells you to download something, be cautious.

QR Codes are a great way to share information across devices and the web. Use caution, review and don't be in a hurry. QR Codes that are often hacked, or redirects you to an unintended destination come from public places where the masses have access to them. Private and local business who have them on business cards, vehicles and other local areas are often more safe than those on TV, Social Media and Restaurants' where hundreds of people visit daily.

- [  Share](#)
- [  X](#)

- [  Share](#)
- [  Email](mailto:?subject=Palm%20Coast%20Local%20Just%20In,%20Read%20it%20here.Hackers%20Hijacking%20QR%20Codes:%20Including%20Pay%20Apps&body=https://palmcoastlocal.com/consumer-finance/134-hackers-hijacking-qr-codes-including-pay-apps)
- [  Share](#)
- [  Share](#)

- [  Share](#)
- [  Share](#)

- [  Share](#)
- [  Copy Link](#)

    Last Updated: 05 August 2024

#### Add comment

I confirm my comment does not contain hate speech, harassment, false or defamatory statements about any person, business or political figure. I understand my comment are moderated and may be removed if they violate platform guideline.

[](#addcomments)  Namerequired

  E-mailrequired, but not visible

![Guest](https://palmcoastlocal.com/images/palm-coast-local-business.png)

Your rating:

  Notify me of follow-up comments

  Accept privacy policy

  ![Security code](https://palmcoastlocal.com/component/jcomment/captcha/29005) Refresh  Enter code

 Submit

 Cancel

   Proudly Supported By

## Our Sponsors

 [ ![Alarm Pro](https://palmcoastlocal.com/media/com_jbusinessdirectory/pictures/companies/165/Alarmpro_Logo_Regular_1689359523.BMP) Alarm Pro ](https://palmcoastlocal.com/alarm-pro) [ ![JMH Land Management & Tree Service](https://palmcoastlocal.com/media/com_jbusinessdirectory/pictures/companies/244/jmh_tree_removal_palm_coast_florida_1717073465.jpg) JMH Land Management & Tree Service ](https://palmcoastlocal.com/jmh-land-management) [ ![Christeen Haney](https://palmcoastlocal.com/media/com_jbusinessdirectory/pictures/companies/336/christeen_haney_palm_coast_realtor_1777760588.png) Christeen Haney ](https://palmcoastlocal.com/christeen-haney) [ ![Hammock Beach Resort Golf & Spa](https://palmcoastlocal.com/media/com_jbusinessdirectory/pictures/companies/207/atlantic_grille_oceanfront_restaurant_1783097227.png) Hammock Beach Resort Golf & Spa ](https://palmcoastlocal.com/atlantic-grill-hammock-beach-resort) [ ![AGL Plumbing](https://palmcoastlocal.com/media/com_jbusinessdirectory/pictures/companies/338/unnamed_1713793397.jpg) AGL Plumbing ](https://palmcoastlocal.com/agl-plumbing-2) [ ![Texas Roadhouse](https://palmcoastlocal.com/media/com_jbusinessdirectory/pictures/companies/303/texas_roadhouse_palm_coast_florida_1746217633.png) Texas Roadhouse ](https://palmcoastlocal.com/texas-roadhouse) [ ![Palm Coast Lanes](https://palmcoastlocal.com/media/com_jbusinessdirectory/pictures/companies/305/palm_coast_bowling_lanes_1748463875.png) Palm Coast Lanes ](https://palmcoastlocal.com/palm-coast-lanes) [ ![Mass Websites](https://palmcoastlocal.com/media/com_jbusinessdirectory/pictures/companies/34/2017_new_logo_1675965969.png) Mass Websites ](https://palmcoastlocal.com/mass-websites) [ ![Blinds by Jason](https://palmcoastlocal.com/media/com_jbusinessdirectory/pictures/companies/352/blinds_plantation_shutters_by_jason_1779053788.png) Blinds by Jason ](https://palmcoastlocal.com/blinds-by-jason) [ ![Flagler County Historical Society](https://palmcoastlocal.com/media/com_jbusinessdirectory/pictures/companies/344/Flagler_County_Historical_Society_1776339784.png) Flagler County Historical Society ](https://palmcoastlocal.com/flagler-county-historical-society) [ ![That Garden Club](https://palmcoastlocal.com/media/com_jbusinessdirectory/pictures/companies/196/garden_club_at_palm_coast_1771681874.png) That Garden Club ](https://palmcoastlocal.com/garden-club) [ ![Holiday Inn Express & Suites](https://palmcoastlocal.com/media/com_jbusinessdirectory/pictures/companies/332/holiday_inn_express_palm_coast_florida_1768772228.png) Holiday Inn Express & Suites ](https://palmcoastlocal.com/holiday-inn-express) [ ![Home Seal](https://palmcoastlocal.com/media/com_jbusinessdirectory/pictures/companies/288/home_seal_palm_coast_local_business_1734281009.png) Home Seal ](https://palmcoastlocal.com/home-seal)

 [Become a Sponsor →](https://palmcoastlocal.com/add-a-business)

 ### About Palm Coast Local

### Palm Coast Local is owned and operated by Mass Websites Inc., a Florida business. We provide business directory listings, SEO services, website design, and social media management.

June 2025 - June 2026
**Visitors** **2,662,436**

###  **palmcoastlocal.com**

[Find us on Sunbiz.org](https://sunbiz.org)

### Q2uick Links

- [Privacy Policy](https://palmcoastlocal.com/privacy-policy)
- [Terms and Conditions](https://palmcoastlocal.com/terms-and-conditions)

### Contact

[ Send Email ](mailto:386palmcoastlocal@gmail.com)

We welcome your questions or comments regarding our Privacy Policy or services.

### Your Privacy

We collect cookies, IP addresses, and usage data to improve your experience. You may delete cookies anytime through your browser settings.

Users under 16 are not permitted to register or submit information.

---

© Palm Coast Local — All Rights Reserved. TM 2026