Authorities are warning the public about a surge in scams involving WhatsApp and QR codes. Recent reports indicate that scammers are impersonating voices of family and friends on WhatsApp to deceive users. Additionally, fake wedding invitations are being circulated via WhatsApp and email, primarily attributed to Indian scammers. Experts highlight that the most common scams on WhatsApp involve identity theft aimed at extracting money or personal information. Furthermore, there is a notable rise in QR code fraud, particularly in parking lots, where scammers are using fake codes to steal personal data. The Tampa Police Department has urged citizens to verify URLs for typos, avoid downloading apps via QR codes, and to type URLs directly for payments. Users are also advised to be cautious of fake apps, with a reported 30% increase in such scams from 2022 to 2023, according to security firm Avast. Public service announcements emphasize the importance of vigilance against these sophisticated scams.