QR phishing scams are widespread these days, as they are more complex and sneaky in comparison to traditional phishing, which involves spoofed links, email attachments, and URLs. In traditional phishing attacks, there are chances of detecting the threats before you click the link. You can hover over it and search for the official websites mentioned in the link.
But when it comes to the QR codes, you cannot know about them unless you scan them. Nothing is mentioned about the code; it just looks like a black and white pattern. You can only know of its content once you have scanned it. So, this blog goes over QR scams and provides you with effective tips on how to stay safe from them.
How QR Phishing Works?
QR phishing scams use the latest tools and social engineering techniques to lure and attract innocent users into their malicious traps. Here is the step-by-step process that explains how the QR phishing scam works:
Step 1: The Setup
Cybercriminals create a malicious QR code. It looks fine, but hides a bad web address. After the creation, they put the QR where lots of people can see it. They can place it on a poster, a cafe table, a delivery note, or even stick it on top of a real QR code. They use a tempting line beside it to lure innocent users, such as scan to get free Wi-FI or scan to get a 50% discount.
Step 2: The Hook: What Happens When You Scan
As soon as you scan the code, it opens a web page or starts a download. Initially, the web page looks real and shows a real bank login, food delivery checkout, or a login page for free internet service in the public arena. The appearing web page asks you to fill out personal details such as username, password, or bank details.
As soon as you type the details in the appearing web page, it gives attackers the leverage to access your device and infect it with malware. With this virus infection and device access, cybercriminals steal your personal data and sensitive information stored in the device. You’ve lost your privacy and personal security and are exposed to the wider online threats.
Step 3: The Goal of the QR Phishing Scams
The QR phishing scams aim to perpetrate fraud, theft, and privacy spoiling. Attackers use QR phishing attacks to:
- Steal login details (bank, email, shopping).
- Steal money by tricking you into paying the wrong account.
- Install malware that spies on your phone or steals data.
- Steal personal info for identity fraud.
How Can You Spot a QR Phishing Attack?
Attackers use fake QR codes to lure users with fake offers beside them. They promise “Exclusive offer/scan to get 50% off, Quick payment link, or claim your parcel here beside the QR. These are social engineering tactics that create a sense of urgency in the mind of the user. It provokes them to scan the code and claim the offer. But it can be a scam! You have to be careful before you scan such QR codes. Instead of getting any reward, you may end up losing your privacy, security, and hard-earned money. Here are some quick tips that can save you from QR scams:
1. Question the Source
- Ask yourself: Who placed this QR here?
- If it’s a public area or a poster on a wall, be cautious.
- Official QR codes usually come from trusted packaging, verified websites, or inside secure apps.
2. Inspect for Tampering
- Look closely: is the QR a sticker placed on top of another? Big red flag.
- A different shade, misalignment, or fresh adhesive are telltale signs.
3. Check the URL Carefully
- After scanning, your phone shows a preview of the link before you tap:
- Look for misspelled domains (e.g., “amaz0n” instead of “amazon”).
- Ensure it ends with the official domain (.com / .in etc.)
- Avoid shortened links (bit.ly, tinyurl) unless from a verified source.
3. Check the URL Carefully
- After scanning, your phone shows a preview of the link before you tap:
- Look for misspelled domains (e.g., “amaz0n” instead of “amazon”).
- Ensure it ends with the official domain (.com / .in etc.)
- Avoid shortened links (bit.ly, tinyurl) unless from a verified source.
4. Never Enter Passwords or Install Apps
- If the QR-linked page asks for your bank login, your credit/debit card info, or to download an app, stop immediately.
- Real businesses never require these steps via QR codes.
5. Check for HTTPS — But Don’t Rely Solely on It
- Lockpad and HTTPS at the start of the URL mean encryption, not authenticity.
- Scammers can also use HTTPS to look legitimate.
Example: https://secure-googlepay-refunds.com is a fake URL because it uses dashes in between the words. It is a suspicious URL because scammers add words to secure refunds to trick users. The hyphens placed in between the words change the domain name making it totally different from the official platforms.
6. Use Your Bank’s or Brand’s App Directly
Instead of scanning:
- Open your official banking or payment app directly to make payments.
- If it’s a restaurant or shop, ask the staff to verify the QR before scanning.
How to Stay Safe from QR Phishing Scams?
With the widespread phishing scams done with the use of fake QR codes, it is highly important that you stay safe from their danger. Black hats leave no stone unturned to lure you into their trap. They use social engineering attacks, emails, messages, and social media platforms to set up fake quick response codes and beguile you in their malicious trap. Along with the virtual world, they use the same tactics in the physical world as well by pasting and sticking fake QR codes at important public places, such as restaurants, schools, colleges, hospitals, and cinema halls. They can be anywhere, so you have to be awake and alert to stay protected from these malicious traps. Here are some effective steps that can keep you safe from QR phishing scams:
1. Scan Smart, not Fast
- Pause before scanning. Ask yourself: Who placed this QR here?
- Only scan codes from trusted sources such as stores, apps, bills, or people you know.
- Avoid public or tampered stickers. A new label was pasted over an old one. It is a big red flag.
2. Always check the link
- After scanning, read the web address carefully before you tap.
- Real sites look clean: paytm.com, amazon. in.
- Fake ones often sneak in extra words, dots, or dashes like secure-paytm-refunds.com.
- If it looks weird, don’t open it.
3. Use your phone’s built-in camera
- Modern cameras show you the link first.
- Don’t use sketchy “QR-scanner” apps, as they may hide the URL or collect data themselves.
4. Be careful with payments
- For UPI or bill payments, use official apps (Paytm, PhonePe, GPay) instead of web links.
- Type the number or scan directly inside the app.
- If you see a “Refund” or “Reward” QR, it’s probably fake.
5. Never Enter Sensitive Info From a QR Link
- If a page asks for passwords, OTPs, card details, or personal info, stop right there.
- Legit companies never ask that via QR links.
6. Keep Your Phone Secure
- Update your system and apps regularly.
- Use antivirus or security apps that warn you about risky sites.
- Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) for your main accounts.
What to do If You Have Already Scanned a Fake QR?
Here are some quick steps that can save you from the big loss and upcoming damages if you have already scanned or given information to a page that came up after you scanned a spoofed QR code:
- Change your passwords for that account from a safe device.
- If you gave card details, contact your bank and block the card.
- If you gave OTP, treat it as compromised, then lock the account and inform the service.
- Uninstall any unknown apps and run a security scan on your phone.
- Enable 2FA (two-factor auth) on important accounts.
- Close the site or delete the app you opened.
- Run a device security scan using robust antivirus software.
- Report the QR or link to the company or cybercrime helpline.
