The FBI is urging the public to be on the alert for a scam affecting everyone: "Your home will receive a package with a QR code..."

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has warned about a new scam involving unsolicited packages containing QR codes, which ask the recipient to provide personal and financial information or download malicious software.

The FBI has issued a warning about a scam in which criminals send unsolicited packages that include a QR code , a variation on the brushing scam used by online sellers to boost product ratings. Online retailers send merchandise to a recipient and then use their information to post a positive review of the product.

Specifically, these QR codes are used to trick the package recipient into providing personal and financial information , or to unwittingly download malicious software that steals data from their phone, the U.S. criminal investigation agency said in a statement.

The FBI has reported that these criminals , in an attempt to gain the victim's attention , often send packages without the sender's information . However, it has also warned that this activity is not as widespread as other frauds, although it has recommended users remain vigilant.

If you fall victim to such a scam, the U.S. agency has suggested that you secure your online presence by changing your account profiles and request a free credit report from one or all of the national credit reporting agencies to identify possible fraudulent activity.