QR codes have become a convenient way to make payments, log in to accounts, and access information quickly. However, cybercriminals have found a way to exploit them through a scam known as quishing—short for QR code phishing.
In a quishing attack, scammers trick victims into scanning a malicious QR code, leading them to fake websites, phishing pages, or malware downloads. Because QR codes mask the destination URL, it’s easy for attackers to disguise their scams.
As QR codes become more common in restaurants, public places, and business transactions, quishing is on the rise. In this article, we’ll break down what quishing is, how it works, and how you can protect yourself from falling victim to a QR code scam.
What Is Quishing?
Quishing is a cyberattack that uses fraudulent QR codes to trick users into revealing sensitive information, installing malware, or making payments to scammers.
Attackers replace legitimate QR codes with malicious ones—often on posters, invoices, or even emails—leading unsuspecting users to harmful websites that steal credentials or infect their devices.
QR codes are especially dangerous in phishing attacks because:
✅ Users can’t see the destination URL before scanning.
✅ They bypass traditional email security filters since they’re images, not text links.
✅ People trust QR codes due to their widespread use in restaurants, tickets, and payments.
How Does Quishing Work?
A typical quishing attack follows this pattern:
1️⃣ Scammer creates a fake QR code – The attacker generates a malicious QR code and places it in emails, public places, or fake invoices.
2️⃣ Victim scans the QR code – Thinking it’s legitimate, the user scans it using their smartphone.
3️⃣ Redirection to a phishing website – The QR code directs the victim to a fake login page or malicious download.
4️⃣ Information theft or malware infection – If the victim enters credentials, the attacker steals them. If malware is downloaded, the device is compromised.
Quishing is particularly effective because users rarely think twice before scanning QR codes, making them easy targets.
Types of Quishing Attacks
Quishing scams come in different forms, but they all exploit QR codes to deceive victims. Here are some common examples:
1. Fake Payment Requests
💰 Example: A scammer replaces a business’s QR code with their own, tricking customers into sending payments to a fraudulent account.
Attackers often use payment-related QR codes to divert funds from legitimate businesses or charities.
2. Malicious Login Pages
🔐 Example: You scan a QR code to “log in” to your online banking or email, only to land on a fake website designed to steal your credentials.
This tactic is common in phishing emails that claim you need to update your password or verify your account.
3. Malware Distribution
📲 Example: A QR code on a flyer or website claims to be for a “special offer,” but scanning it downloads spyware or ransomware onto your device.
These scams often disguise malware as apps, security updates, or discount coupons.
4. Physical QR Code Scams
📜 Example: A cybercriminal places a fake QR code sticker over a real one—on restaurant menus, posters, or public kiosks.
Since people trust QR codes in public spaces, they don’t suspect they might be redirected to a scam site.
How to Spot a Quishing Scam
Identifying quishing attempts can be tricky, but here are some red flags to watch for:
✅ Unfamiliar QR codes in unexpected places – Be cautious if a QR code is on a random poster, email, or public kiosk.
✅ Urgent or threatening language – Scammers pressure you to scan quickly, claiming your account will be locked or that you’ve won a prize.
✅ QR codes asking for personal or financial details – Legitimate organizations don’t ask for sensitive information via QR codes.
✅ Altered or suspicious QR codes – Check if a QR code looks like a sticker placed over another code.
✅ Emails or texts with QR codes instead of links – Businesses typically send clickable links, not QR codes, for login requests.
Quishing Prevention Tips
To protect yourself from quishing scams, follow these best practices:
🔒 Verify the source – If a QR code is in an email or on a poster, confirm it’s from a trusted organization before scanning.
📵 Avoid scanning random QR codes – If you don’t know who generated the QR code, don’t scan it.
🔍 Check the URL before proceeding – Many smartphones let you preview the link before opening it. Make sure it matches the official website.
🚫 Never enter personal information after scanning – If a QR code directs you to a login page, visit the site manually instead.
🔄 Use QR code scanners with security features – Some security apps and browsers scan QR codes for threats before opening them.
⚠ Report suspicious QR codes – If you find a fake QR code in a public place, inform the business or authorities.
What to Do If You Fall for a Quishing Attack
If you’ve scanned a malicious QR code, take these steps immediately:
1️⃣ Disconnect from Wi-Fi and mobile data – If malware was installed, cutting off network access can prevent data theft.
2️⃣ Change your passwords – If you entered credentials on a phishing site, update your passwords right away.
3️⃣ Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) – This adds an extra layer of security to your accounts.
4️⃣ Scan your device for malware – Use a reputable antivirus app to check for malicious software.
5️⃣ Monitor your bank and online accounts – Look for unauthorized transactions or suspicious activity.
6️⃣ Report the scam – Notify your bank, employer, or IT department if your data was compromised.
Final Thoughts
Quishing is a growing cybersecurity threat, exploiting the widespread trust in QR codes. As businesses and individuals continue to use QR codes for payments, logins, and information sharing, it’s crucial to stay vigilant and verify before scanning.
Want to learn about other social engineering threats? Check out these related articles:
🔗 What Is Phishing? How to Spot and Prevent Online Scams
🔗 What Is Vishing? How to Prepare for Voice Phishing Scams
🔗 What Is Smishing? How to Spot and Prevent Text Message Scams
By staying informed and practicing QR code safety, you can avoid falling victim to quishing scams. Stay cautious, verify sources, and think before you scan! 🚀