What is a QR Code Phishing (Quishing)?
How It Works — Step by Step
- Malicious QR code placed over legitimate ones (parking meters, posters, menus)
- Or sent via email claiming to be from bank, delivery service, or government
- When scanned, redirects to convincing fake website
- Victim enters credentials, payment info, or downloads malicious app
- Some QR codes trigger automatic actions like Wi-Fi connections or payment requests
Top Countries (Victims)
Top Platforms Used
⚠️ Warning Signs
- QR code sticker placed over another (check for layering at parking meters)
- Unexpected email with only a QR code attachment
- QR code in an email claiming urgent action required
- Scanned URL looks slightly wrong (paypa1.com instead of paypal.com)
- Website asks for sensitive information immediately after scanning
✅ How to Protect Yourself
- Preview the URL before opening after scanning — most QR apps show the destination
- Check physical QR codes for sticker tampering
- Be skeptical of QR codes in unexpected emails
- Type important URLs directly rather than scanning
- Use a QR scanner app that shows the URL before opening
Real Cases from Our Database
Scammer called me and said he is from Amazon and asked for verification code, Please help i was sleep when then this person called me and asked for verification code and said that i received an order ...
[US] Alan Jackson Backstage Passes Scam So I obviously know this is a scam and as far as im aware my grandma didnt give this person any money but she wants to make a trip over there using this as her ...
Scam alert. Send money on qr code due to technical problem with payment. Yesterday, I ordered something from man matters. Today I received a call from someone pretending to be from shiprocket. Told me...
Illuminati invite update My curiosity got the best of me. The person reached out via TikTok and I sent my WhatsApp QR code. I used the “Online Scam” flair but not really sure.
Brushing Scam or Something Creepy? Random Hair Extensions Keep Getting Sent to My House Over the last 6 months, I’ve been randomly receiving packages at my house through UniUni (the courier that usual...
How rental deposit scams work (and one free way to verify before you pay) Rental scams are simpler than most people think, and that's why they work. The scammer finds a real listing — a nice apartment...
Unauthorized Google Play charge: "GOOGLE *QR Code Reader 650-2530000 US APPCODE 343240" - Has anyone seen this? Hi everyone, I'm hoping to get some advice or see if anyone else has been hit by this sp...
Poshmark new account scam- I feel so dumb I fell for a scam within the poshmark app today while setting up my new account. I received a message within the app stating that it was time to verify my new...
Low Effort Fraud| tried to lure me to enter UPI PIN to receive money was selling my bicycle online on OLX. someone named Sahil contacted me and offered me a good price. He sent me an QR code and asked...
[US] Facebook Settlement scam clicked the QR code! SO stupid of me! I received an email months ago but didn’t have time to deal with it re: $37.50 payout from Facebook settlement. Just now decided to...
Educational post for people living in Noida and nearby areas This night, me and my friend were having weekend drinks like usual. After a few drinks, he started searching for call girls online. We foun...
[US] We just received 2 random packages: one addressed to my 3 week old son and one to him, my wife and I They both came from the same Etsy shop and the packing slips in the boxes had 2 different made...
📋 Where to Report QR Code Phishing (Quishing)
- FTC (reportfraud.ftc.gov)
- FBI IC3 (ic3.gov)
- Anti-Phishing Working Group ([email protected])