What is QR Code Quishing? – How the Attack Works and How to Stay Safe

QR codes are everywhere these days—on restaurant tables, posters, emails, and even parking meters. They’re convenient and easy to use. But as we use them more, cybercriminals have found a new way to trick people: QR code quishing.

Let’s break down what this means, how these scams work, and what you can do to protect yourself.

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What is QR Code Quishing?

QR code quishing is a type of scam where hackers create fake QR codes that lead you to harmful websites. The name comes from combining “QR code” and “phishing”, which is when someone tricks you into giving away personal information, like your passwords or credit card numbers.

Here’s how it works:

• A scammer puts a fake QR code somewhere—maybe in an email or on a public sign.

• You scan it, thinking it’s safe.

• It takes you to a website that looks real (like a login page or payment portal), but it’s fake.

• If you enter your information, the scammer steals it.

These scams are sneaky because QR codes don’t show the link before you open it, unlike regular website links in emails.

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A Real Example: Fake QR Codes on Parking Meters

In early 2022, people in Houston, Texas, started reporting a strange problem. When they went to pay for parking, they scanned the QR codes on the parking meters like they usually do. But these QR codes were fake—placed there by scammers.

Instead of going to the city’s official payment site, the QR codes sent people to a fake website. When users entered their credit card information, the scammers stole it. This trick affected many people, and the city had to warn everyone not to trust the codes.

This real-life case shows how easy it is for scammers to take advantage of something as simple as a QR code.

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How Can You Protect Yourself?

The good news is, you can take some simple steps to stay safe from QR code scams. Here’s what you can do:

1. Be Careful Where You Scan

• Don’t scan random QR codes you see in public unless you trust the source.

• If a QR code is on a sticker or looks like it was placed over something else, be suspicious.

2. Check the Website

• After scanning a QR code, look at the web address before entering any personal info.

• If the website looks strange or the address seems off, don’t continue.

3. Use Phone Security Tools

• Some phones can show a preview of the link before opening it. Use that feature.

• Install security apps that can warn you about dangerous websites.

4. Think Before You Enter Information

• Never enter passwords, credit card details, or personal info unless you are 100% sure the website is legit.

• For extra protection, use multi-factor authentication (MFA) on important accounts.

5. Learn and Share

• Talk to your coworkers, friends, and family about QR code scams.

• Make sure your workplace includes this in cybersecurity training.

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Final Thoughts

QR codes make life easier—but they can also be used to trick us. The example from Houston shows how even something as small as a parking meter can become part of a scam.

We all need to stay alert. Just like we’ve learned to be careful with links in emails, it’s time to be just as cautious with QR codes. A quick scan shouldn’t lead to a big problem.

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Have you ever seen a suspicious QR code? Let’s keep the conversation going and help others stay safe.