What Is Quishing? Protect Yourself from QR-Code Phishing

I scan QR codes almost daily. I use them for restaurant menus, Wi-Fi access, and even making payments. They are incredibly convenient. However, this convenience has opened a new door for cybercriminals. That door is called “quishing,” a tricky form of QR-code phishing that I’ve learned to watch out for.

It’s a threat that blends our physical and digital worlds. Because it’s so easy to fall for, I believe understanding how it works is the first step toward protecting our sensitive information. This guide covers what I’ve learned about quishing and the steps I take to stay safe.

What Exactly is Quishing? A Closer Look

Quishing is a simple spin on an old scam. “Phishing” is when criminals use deceptive emails or texts to trick you into revealing personal information. “Quishing” is the same idea, but it uses a QR code as the delivery mechanism.

Instead of clicking a suspicious link, you’re tricked into scanning a malicious QR code.

So, what happens when you scan one? The code can trigger several harmful actions on your device without you realizing it.

• It can open a fake website. This site might look identical to your bank’s login page or a payment portal. When you enter your credentials, you’re handing them directly to a scammer.
• It can download malware. A scan could automatically start downloading a malicious app or file to your phone, designed to steal data or spy on your activity.
• It can initiate a payment. Some QR codes are designed to work with payment apps, potentially sending your money to a criminal’s account.
• It can connect you to a malicious Wi-Fi network. This allows attackers to monitor your internet traffic and steal information.

The main danger of quishing is its deceptive nature. You can’t tell if a QR code is safe just by looking at it.

Where QR-Code Phishing Attacks Lurk

These malicious codes can appear anywhere we’ve grown accustomed to seeing legitimate ones. I’ve become much more aware of my surroundings and the context of a QR code before I even think about scanning it.

The Digital Trap: Malicious Emails and Messages

One of the most common places I’ve seen QR-code phishing attempts is in my inbox. Scammers have figured out that email security filters are great at spotting bad links, but not so great at analyzing images. A QR code is just an image.

They send emails that look like they’re from HR, IT support, or even a trusted brand. The email might ask you to scan a code to:

• Verify your identity for multi-factor authentication (MFA).
• Access a shared document.
• Reset a “compromised” password.
• Claim a special discount or offer.

The urgency in these emails is a major red flag for me. They want you to act fast without thinking.

The Physical Threat: Public Spaces and Tampered Codes

Quishing isn’t just a digital problem. I’m always cautious when I see QR codes in public places. Scammers print their malicious codes on stickers and place them over real ones.

Think about these common locations:

Because we trust the context—paying for parking or viewing a menu—we often lower our guard.

My Personal Checklist to Avoid Quishing

Staying safe from QR-code phishing doesn’t mean you have to stop using QR codes altogether. I certainly haven’t. It just means adopting a healthy dose of skepticism and following a few simple security checks.

Here is the checklist I run through every time I encounter a QR code.

1. Think Before I Scan: I ask myself if the QR code makes sense. Is it from a trusted source? If I get an unexpected email with a QR code asking for urgent action, I immediately become suspicious.
2. Inspect the Physical Code: When I’m in public, I always check to see if the QR code looks like a sticker placed on top of another image. I’ll even feel it with my fingernail to be sure.
3. Preview the Link (This is Crucial): Most modern smartphone cameras will show you a preview of the URL before you open it. I never tap the notification blindly. I take a second to read the URL. Does it look legitimate? Watch out for misspellings (e.g., “PayPa1” instead of “PayPal”) or strange domain names.
4. Never Give Away Info Lightly: If a QR code takes me to a page asking for a password, credit card number, or other sensitive data, I stop. Instead, I’ll close the page and manually type the official website address into my browser to verify the request.
5. When in Doubt, Type It Out: If a flyer from a known brand has a QR code for a special offer, I’m more likely to just open my browser and go to their website directly to find the deal myself. It’s a safer bet.

For added peace of mind, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) offers excellent guidance on avoiding these scams. You can find more details on their official page about how to avoid QR code scams.

A Real-World Quishing Example

Let me walk you through a scenario. You get an email that appears to be from your company’s IT department. It says a recent security update requires you to re-authenticate your account to maintain access to corporate files.

The email instructs you to scan a QR code with your phone. It seems easy enough.

You scan it, and it takes you to a webpage that looks exactly like your company’s Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace login page. You enter your email and password. Then, you might even be prompted for an MFA code from your authenticator app.

You’ve just handed over your full credentials to a scammer. They can now access your work email, company data, and potentially pivot to attack others in the organization. This is a classic and highly effective QR-code phishing attack.

Staying One Step Ahead of Scammers

QR codes are a tool, and like any tool, they can be used for good or for bad. The technology isn’t the problem; it’s how people exploit it.

For me, the best defense has been building a habit of caution. By treating every QR code with the same scrutiny I apply to suspicious email links, I can continue to enjoy the convenience without falling victim to a scam. A moment of awareness is all it takes to tell the difference between a helpful shortcut and a digital trap. Stay vigilant.