Malicious QR Code Scams and How to Avoid Them

Quick Response (QR) codes have become part of everyday life — from restaurant menus to bill payments, event tickets to promo offers. Their convenience is undeniable. But with widespread adoption has come a new generation of cyber threats: malicious QR code scams — also known as quishing (a blend of “QR code” and “phishing”). These attacks exploit trust in QR codes to steal personal data, financial credentials, and even install malware.

In this expert article, we’ll explore how malicious QR code scams work, share real-world case studies, explain the risks with data-driven insights, and provide actionable steps you can take to avoid falling victim.

What Are Malicious QR Code Scams?

A malicious QR code is a deceptively crafted barcode that, when scanned, performs an unauthorized action — most often redirecting the user to a fraudulent website, initiating an unwanted download, or triggering a financial transaction.

Unlike traditional phishing via email or text, QR code scams leverage physical or digital convenience to deceive users this way:

• Replace legitimate QR codes with fake ones
• Embed harmful URLs leading to malicious sites
• Trigger malware downloads or unauthorized device access
• Redirect payments to scammer-controlled accounts

These scams are effective because people instinctively trust QR codes, especially when presented in familiar settings like public posters, parking meters, menus, or bills.

Why QR Codes Are Vulnerable to Scams

Although QR codes are simply encoded text (often a link), they can introduce risk because:

• No visual context: You can’t see what’s encoded until you scan it.
• Easy to counterfeit: Anyone can generate malicious QR codes in minutes.
• Embedded actions: Scanning can trigger dynamic actions like website redirection, app installs, payment prompts, or Wi-Fi connections.

Further compounding this threat is the growth of mobile-first attacks. Recent security reports show that QR code based phishing incidents numbered over 4.2 million in early 2025, indicating a sharp rise in usage by cybercriminals to steal credentials and carry out fraud.

Real-World Examples and Case Studie

1. Parking Payment Scam — San Francisco (2023)

Scammers printed fake parking tickets with QR codes that looked identical to the official San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) versions. When drivers scanned the code to pay for parking, they were directed to a fraudulent payment page that stole their information.

2. QR Code Payment Diversion — Germany (2021)

At a German parking lot, attackers replaced legitimate payment QR codes with their own. Motorists scanning the codes were redirected to payment pages that funneled money directly into the scammers’ accounts.

3. UPI Payment Tampering — Jaipur & Delhi (2025)

A 19-year-old fraudster in India swapped merchants’ UPI QR codes with subtly altered versions linked to his bank account. Customers thought they paid the vendor — but the funds vanished into the scammer’s account instead. The operation was sophisticated enough to show correct billing info while redirecting payments. The Times of India

4. “Brushing” QR Code Scam — FBI Alert (2025)

The FBI warned about a rise in unsolicited packages containing QR codes. Recipients were encouraged to scan the code to claim fake rewards, but instead were directed to phishing sites designed to capture personal or financial details.

These cases illustrate how attackers exploit trust and context to manipulate users.

Common Types of QR Code Scam Tactics

Scam Type	Typical Goal	Real-World Example
Payment Redirects	Steal money via fraudulent payment pages	Parking meter scams in Germany and San Francisco. T
Quishing Links	Lead users to phishing sites collecting credentials	Fake bill delivery QR codes directing to credential harvesters.
Malware Downloads	Install unwanted apps or malware	QR used to trigger malicious installs.
Wi-Fi Configuration Scams	Connect devices to compromised networks	Airport “free Wi-Fi” QR directs to rogue network.

How to Avoid Malicious QR Code Scams: Expert Tips

Cybersecurity authorities and privacy experts recommend a layered strategy to avoid QR code threats:

1. Inspect the URL Before Clicking

After scanning, check the destination link carefully. Avoid URLs with typos, unfamiliar domains, or those that don’t match expected websites — especially links that start with plain http:// instead of secure https://.

2. Prefer Official Channels

Whenever possible, navigate to the official website yourself (type the address manually) instead of scanning a QR code received unexpectedly in an email, SMS, social post, or flyer. McAfee

3. Avoid Codes in Public Without Verification

Look for signs of tampering — misaligned stickers or codes placed over existing ones — on parking meters, cafe tables, posters, etc. Verify with staff if unsure.

4. Use Trusted Tools and Built-In Scanners

Modern smartphone cameras often show URL previews before redirecting. Avoid downloading third-party QR scanning apps from unknown developers; these can themselves be malicious.

5. Install Mobile Security Software

Protect your device with reputable antivirus or mobile security tools that can flag known malicious domains before you visit them.

6. Don’t Enter Sensitive Data Unprompted

Legitimate services rarely ask for passwords or account details via forms loaded from QR codes. If you’re asked to enter critical credentials, it’s usually a red flag.

7. Educate and Train

Share best practices with family, friends, and colleagues — particularly those less tech-savvy — about the risks of blindly scanning codes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Are QR codes themselves dangerous?

No — QR codes are just encoded data. However, the links they contain can be leveraged to send you to harmful sites or actions if created by attackers.

Q: How can I decode a QR code safely before scanning?

You can use online QR decoders that show the embedded link without automatically opening it, offering visibility before interaction. This adds a safety layer.

Q: Can scanning a QR code install malware automatically?

Not without user interaction. However, a QR code can point to a download page that — if acted on — can install malware. Always inspect links first.

Q: Should I avoid all QR codes in public spaces?

Not necessarily. Just verify their legitimacy — check placement, context, and if possible, confirm with a trusted source before scanning.

Malicious QR code scams are a growing cybersecurity threat because they exploit trust and convenience. Unlike traditional phishing, these attacks can manifest in both the digital and physical worlds — from emailed QR codes to stickers covering parking kiosks.

By understanding the risks, studying real case examples, and applying expert-recommended precautions — such as inspecting URLs, using trusted scanners, and avoiding unsolicited codes — you can protect your data, privacy, and finances from quishing and related threats.

To learn more about securing online interactions and digital threats, visit reputable resources like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or National Cyber Security Centre for up-to-date guidance and alerts.