Are QR Codes Safe? How to Avoid Fraud and Phishing

Are QR Codes Safe?
How to Avoid Fraud and Phishing

Introduction

QR codes have become a popular tool for quick access to websites, payments, and information exchange. They are widely used in advertising, logistics, banking operations, and even access control systems. However, their convenience has also opened new opportunities for cybercriminals who use QR codes for fraud, phishing, and spreading malicious software.

In this article, we will explore how QR codes work, the main threats associated with them, and the most effective ways to protect yourself from potential attacks.

What is a QR Code?

A QR code (Quick Response Code) is a two-dimensional barcode that can contain various types of information, including links to websites, contact details, payment credentials, and even commands for executing certain actions on a smartphone. QR codes are scanned using a mobile device’s camera or special applications.

Common uses for QR codes include:

  • Quickly opening web pages without manually entering a URL.
  • Accessing additional information about products and services.
  • Making payments and money transfers.
  • Connecting to Wi-Fi networks.
  • Downloading mobile applications.

However, this technology is not always secure, as fraudsters can exploit QR codes for various criminal schemes. They can create fake QR codes that redirect users to phishing sites, trick them into downloading malware, or even initiate unauthorized financial transactions. Due to the ease of generating and widely using QR codes, they have become an attractive tool for cybercriminals who leverage social engineering and human trust to achieve their goals.

What is Phishing?

Phishing is one of the most common types of internet fraud, where attackers disguise themselves as trusted companies, institutions, or even familiar individuals to trick victims into voluntarily providing confidential information.

Real-life Phishing Case:

In 2021, cybercriminals created a fake website mimicking the well-known payment system PayPal. They sent phishing emails to users, informing them that their accounts had been blocked for security reasons and instructing them to follow a link to verify their personal details. Users who entered their login credentials on the fake website unknowingly provided them to scammers, who then gained access to their accounts and could carry out unauthorized transactions.

This type of fraud remains highly prevalent, and users should always verify website authenticity before entering any sensitive data. This includes passwords, credit card numbers, bank login credentials, personal details, or even confidential corporate documents.

Additional Real-life Phishing Case:

In 2022, hackers launched a large-scale phishing attack targeting users of a popular online hotel booking platform. They sent emails pretending to be from the service, informing users of changes to their bookings and urging them to follow a link to confirm the details. The emails contained official logos, professional design, and even personalized user data.

After clicking the link, victims entered their login credentials on a counterfeit website that completely mimicked the original platform. As a result, hackers gained access to user accounts, changed payment details, and redirected payments to their accounts, causing significant financial losses for the victims.

This case once again highlights the importance of always verifying URLs before entering confidential information, avoiding suspicious links, and enabling two-factor authentication to protect online accounts.

What is Quishing?

Quishing (QR-phishing) is a specific type of phishing attack that exploits QR codes to deceive users. Fraudsters create fake QR codes that may lead to malicious websites, download viruses, or even initiate financial transactions without the user’s knowledge.

Main Methods of Quishing:

  • Fake Websites – A QR code may redirect users to a website that looks like a legitimate banking, payment system, or social network page. Users enter their login credentials, which are then stolen by attackers.
  • Automatic Installation of Malware – After scanning a QR code, users may be redirected to a website that automatically downloads a virus or spyware onto their device.
  • Fake Payment Pages – A QR code may contain a link to a counterfeit payment form that looks identical to a real one. Once users enter their credit card details, scammers gain access to their funds.
  • Manipulation in Public Places – Fraudsters may place QR codes on ATMs, parking meters, restaurants, or shopping centers. For example, a real QR code for parking payment may be replaced with a fraudulent one that redirects the payment to criminals’ accounts.
  • QR Codes in Emails and Social Media – Scammers may send fake emails or messages in messengers containing QR codes promising “exclusive offers” or “bonuses,” which actually lead to harmful resources.

Quishing is particularly dangerous because users cannot verify the content of a QR code before scanning it. Therefore, it is crucial to use applications that check QR codes for security, avoid scanning codes from unverified sources, and carefully analyze URLs before entering personal data.

How Quishing Works:

  1. A Scammer Creates a Fake QR Code – This code may lead to a fake bank page, payment service, or social media site.
  2. QR Code Placement in Public Spaces – Attackers may paste it over a real code in restaurants, ATMs, receipts, or advertisements.
  3. Users Scan the Code and Visit a Fake Site – The site may look identical to the original, making it difficult to spot the fraud.
  4. Victims Enter Their Data – Scammers obtain access to passwords, bank accounts, or other confidential information.
  5. Fraudsters Use the Stolen Data – They may steal money, gain access to accounts, or use the data for further attacks.

Key Risks Associated with QR Codes

1. Fake QR Codes

One of the most common fraud schemes is replacing legitimate QR codes with fake ones. Fraudsters can create counterfeit QR codes that look genuine but redirect users to malicious websites or execute harmful actions.

How It Happens:

  1. Physical Replacement of QR Codes – Scammers print their own QR codes and place them over original ones in restaurants, ATMs, shopping centers, or posters. Users scan these codes without noticing the deception.
  2. QR Codes in Printed Materials – Fraudulent codes may appear in fake brochures, receipts, posters, or advertisements, promising discounts or bonuses to entice people to scan them.
  3. QR Codes in Emails and Messages – Attackers send emails and SMS messages containing QR codes that lead to fake websites for collecting personal data.

Consequences:

  • Users may land on fake websites that look like legitimate banking, social media, or e-commerce sites.
  • QR codes can trigger automatic downloads of malware that steals passwords, financial details, or monitors user activity.
  • QR codes can contain commands that automatically execute unauthorized transactions.

Protection Tips:

  • Always check whether a QR code is pasted over an original one.
  • Avoid scanning QR codes from suspicious or unknown sources.
  • Use QR code scanning apps that verify links before opening them.
  • If a QR code leads to a website, check the URL before entering any information.

How to Avoid QR Code Fraud

✅ Verify the Source of the QR Code

Before scanning, check where the QR code is placed. If it is in a public area, ensure it hasn’t been tampered with.

✅ Review the URL Before Opening

Most smartphones allow users to preview a website link before opening it. If the URL looks suspicious or differs from what you expect, do not proceed.

✅ Stay Cautious in Public Places

Avoid scanning QR codes from suspicious advertisements, emails, or banners.

Conclusion

QR codes are a highly useful and convenient tool in the modern digital world, enabling fast information transfer, payments, and website access. However, improper or careless use can lead to serious risks, including data breaches, financial fraud, malware attacks, and even corporate security compromises.

To minimize risks, always follow these security rules:

  • Verify the source of the QR code.
  • Check the URL before opening any links.
  • Avoid entering confidential data on sites accessed via QR codes.
  • Do not download files or apps through QR codes unless from official sources.
  • Use security apps that scan QR codes for threats.
  • Enable two-factor authentication for added account protection.

By following these simple guidelines, you can safely use QR codes and avoid potential digital threats.