Why QR Code Phishing Is Surging

QR codes are everywhere. You see them on posters, parking meters, restaurant menus, packages, and emails. A quick scan with a phone opens a website or starts a download. That convenience is exactly what makes QR codes attractive—not only for businesses, but also for attackers.

Over the past few years, QR code phishing has grown significantly. Security companies report a sharp increase in scams that rely on QR codes. The reason is simple: a QR code hides the real destination. Before scanning, you cannot see where the link leads.

What QR Code Phishing Is

QR code phishing is often called "quishing." In this attack, criminals place a malicious QR code that directs users to a fraudulent website.

Common examples include:

• A fake parking payment QR code

• A sticker placed over a legitimate QR code

• An email that asks users to scan a QR code to log in

• Posters advertising discounts via a QR code

After scanning, the victim lands on a website that looks like a legitimate service. The page asks for a password, payment details, or other sensitive information. Those details are then sent directly to the attacker.

Why This Technique Works

QR code phishing exploits several weaknesses.

1. Hidden links

With a normal link, users can see the domain in the browser. A QR code hides that information until after the scan.

2. Trust in physical environments

People tend to trust objects in the real world. A QR code printed on a sign or parking machine feels legitimate.

3. Mobile devices

Most scans happen on smartphones. URLs are harder to inspect on small screens, and users often move quickly.

4. Easy physical tampering

Attackers can simply print a QR code and place it over an existing one. Without close inspection, the change is hard to notice.

Common Attack Scenarios

A frequent example involves parking payments. Attackers place their own QR code on top of the real one. Drivers scan the code and land on a fake payment page.

Another scenario targets companies. Employees receive an email asking them to scan a QR code for account verification or a password reset. The scan opens a login page that closely imitates the real service.

Delivery notifications are also common. A QR code promises shipment tracking or a quick payment for customs or shipping fees.

How to Reduce the Risk

QR codes are not inherently unsafe. The problem is the lack of visibility before opening the link.

Simple habits can reduce the risk:

• Be cautious with QR codes in public places

• Check for stickers or tampering

• Inspect the URL preview after scanning

• Avoid entering passwords or payment data if something looks unusual

• When possible, visit the official website directly instead of scanning

Many smartphone cameras now show a link preview before opening it. That short verification step can stop many attacks.

Why the Problem Will Keep Growing

QR codes are increasingly used for payments, logins, marketing, and customer support. As the technology spreads, it becomes more attractive for fraud.

For attackers, the method is cheap, scalable, and difficult to detect. A printed code costs almost nothing but can reach many victims.

Security researchers therefore expect QR code phishing to continue growing in the coming years.

Conclusion

QR codes are convenient, but they bypass an important safety signal: the visible URL. That makes them ideal for phishing attacks.

A quick link check after scanning and a healthy level of skepticism toward unfamiliar codes can dramatically reduce the risk. In a world full of QR codes, awareness remains the most reliable defense.