You have been warned — do not click. QR codes are everywhere. Whether paying for parking, opening a menu or connecting to WiFi, pointing your camera at a code and opening a link is now the norm. But ...

It's generally best to avoid scanning a QR code of unknown origin, and caution is becoming more important as threats proliferate. Anybody can make a QR code in a matter of seconds using free online ...

Quishing is proving effective, too, with millions of people unknowingly opening malicious websites. In fact, 73% of Americans admit to scanning QR codes without checking if the source is legitimate.

To join the CNBC Technology Executive Council, go to cnbccouncils.com/tec Almost three-quarters of Americans (73%) scan QR codes without verification, and more than ...