Scam category
QR code scams
QR code scams, also called quishing, place malicious QR codes in physical and digital spaces where people expect legitimate ones. Scammers paste fake codes over parking meters, restaurant table tags, and event flyers. Scanning the code sends you to a phishing site that mimics a payment portal, capturing your credit card or login credentials.
Category activity
“QR code scam”
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- A QR code appears to be a sticker placed over an original code on a parking meter, sign, or table tag.
- Scanning the code takes you to a payment page with a URL that does not match the expected business or service.
- The QR code is in an unexpected location or context, such as taped to a gas pump or stuck on a public bulletin board.
Common searches
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Live reports from government agencies, cybersecurity researchers, and consumer watchdogs that match qr code scams.
QR code parking sticker scam
A fake QR code sticker is placed on a real parking meter or payment point so the victim lands on a fraudulent payment page.
Inspect the code physically before scanning.
Drivers
U.S.
event resale QR code scam
Scammers sell event tickets with manipulated QR codes that redirect to phishing sites or are duplicates that only work for the first person who scans them.
Always use the official ticket transfer feature within the event app rather than accepting screenshots
Concertgoers
U.S.
fake QR scanner app scam
Malicious QR code scanner apps request excessive permissions and display aggressive ads or install malware, despite smartphones having built-in QR scanning capability.
Use your phone built-in camera QR scanning feature rather than downloading a third-party scanner app
Smartphone users
U.S.
QR code to phishing site scam
Malicious QR codes placed on flyers, parking meters, restaurant menus, or in emails redirect scanners to phishing websites that steal credentials or install malware.
Preview the URL before opening it — most phone cameras show the destination before you tap.
All consumers
U.S.
parking meter QR code overlay scam
Scammers place fraudulent QR code stickers over legitimate ones on parking meters, redirecting drivers to a fake payment site that steals their credit card information.
Check if the QR code appears to be a sticker placed on top — peel test it gently.
Drivers
U.S.
restaurant menu QR code swap scam
Criminals replace legitimate QR codes on restaurant tables with fraudulent ones that lead to phishing sites disguised as menus or payment portals, harvesting customer payment data.
Ask your server for a physical menu or the restaurant's official website or app name.
Restaurant diners
U.S.
QR code on flyer phishing scam
Scammers distribute flyers with QR codes offering fake deals, free products, or prize claims that lead to phishing websites designed to steal personal and financial information.
Be skeptical of unsolicited flyers with QR codes, especially those promising free items or large prizes.
General public
U.S.
package delivery QR code scam
Fake delivery notices left on doors or in mailboxes contain QR codes that victims scan to reschedule delivery, leading to phishing sites that steal personal and financial data.
Do not scan QR codes on unexpected delivery notices — check your tracking directly with the retailer or carrier.
Online shoppers
U.S.
business card QR code scam
Scammers distribute fake business cards with QR codes at networking events or public places that lead to malware downloads or credential-harvesting phishing sites.
Search for the person and company online independently rather than scanning the QR code.
Professionals
U.S.
fake WiFi login QR code scam
QR codes posted in public spaces promise free WiFi access but lead to a fake login portal that captures email credentials and personal data or installs malware.
Ask staff for the official WiFi name and password rather than scanning posted QR codes.
Travelers
U.S.
event ticket QR code scam
Fraudsters sell counterfeit event tickets with QR codes that either do not scan at the venue or redirect to phishing sites when buyers try to verify them.
Buy tickets only from the official venue, promoter, or authorized resale platforms like Ticketmaster or StubHub.
Concert-goers
U.S.
charity donation QR code scam
Fake QR codes are placed on charity donation materials, redirecting well-intentioned donors to fraudulent payment pages that steal their money and financial information.
Donate directly through the charity's official website, not through QR codes on flyers.
Donors
U.S.
real estate listing QR code scam
Fraudulent QR codes on real estate signs or flyers redirect prospective buyers and renters to fake listing sites that collect personal information and application fees for properties the scammer does not own.
Verify property listings through official platforms like Zillow, Realtor.com, or your local MLS.
Home buyers
U.S.
payment terminal QR code overlay scam
Scammers place fraudulent QR code stickers over legitimate payment QR codes at retail stores and market stalls, redirecting payments to their own accounts.
Verify the payment recipient name matches the merchant before confirming any QR payment.
Shoppers
U.S.
EV charging station QR code scam
Fraudulent QR code stickers are placed on electric vehicle charging stations, directing drivers to fake payment sites that steal credit card information instead of activating the charger.
Use the charging network's official mobile app rather than scanning QR codes on the station.
EV owners
U.S.
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