Understanding and Avoiding the Rising Threat of Quishing Scams

QR codes have revolutionized the way we handle everyday tasks, from ordering drinks at a bar to paying for parking. With a simple scan, these black-and-white squares can swiftly direct us to a website to complete our transactions. However, beneath their convenience lies a potential danger that consumers need to be aware of: the growing threat of "quishing" scams.

What is Quishing?

The term "quishing" is a blend of "QR" and "phishing," describing a new cyber scam technique. While QR codes, or Quick Response codes, are designed to be scanned by smartphones to quickly access websites, apps, or payment pages, phishing involves scammers tricking individuals into revealing sensitive information through fraudulent communication. In quishing, scammers use QR codes to lure victims to fake websites that capture their personal details or install malicious software on their devices.

The Rise of Quishing Scams

According to recent reports, quishing scams have been on the rise, with significant financial losses reported. Between April 2024 and April 2025, there were 784 incidents reported, amounting to a staggering £3.5 million lost. This translates into more than two quishing incidents per day, costing consumers approximately £10,000 daily.

Naomi Grossman, a compliance manager at a software firm, highlights that the true scale of quishing might be underreported because victims often do not realize a QR code was the root cause until they notice unexpected charges or fines.

Case studies show how quishing can lead to severe consequences. For instance, a 71-year-old woman fell victim to a fake QR code in a parking lot. Scammers impersonated her, set up online banking in her name, and secured a £7,500 loan, leaving her in financial distress and dependent on her family for support.

Identifying Fake QR Codes

Car parks have emerged as frequent targets for quishing scams. Fraudsters often plant fake QR code stickers on payment machines, deceiving users into scanning them. Investigative journalism has revealed that a significant number of local authorities have reported such incidents in their jurisdictions, putting drivers at risk of both financial loss and parking penalties.

Preventing Quishing Scams

Quishing scams often succeed by exploiting moments when individuals are rushed or distracted. Therefore, the best approach to avoid falling victim is to pause and stay vigilant before scanning any QR code. Here are some practical tips:

• Use your smartphone’s built-in QR scanner instead of third-party apps, which may lack security features.
• Consider installing mobile security software to block malicious links and downloads.
• Inspect public QR codes for signs of tampering, such as stickers placed over original codes. If something seems off, avoid scanning the code.
• Manually enter the URL of the company or service’s official website rather than following a QR code link.
• If you do scan a QR code, carefully review the URL before clicking further. Ensure the site is legitimate before entering any personal or financial information.

Stay Informed and Cautious

As technology evolves, so do the methods used by scammers. By staying informed about threats like quishing and applying precautionary measures, you can protect your financial and personal information from falling into the wrong hands. Remember, a moment of caution can save you from a world of trouble.

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