Quishing – £3.5M Lost to Malicious QR Codes

Overview

• Over £3.5 million was lost due to QR code scams, also known as “quishing.”
  
  
• Fraudsters use QR codes to trick victims into visiting fake websites.
  
  

How the Scam Works

• Victims scan QR codes from posters, emails, or social media.
  
  
• QR leads to a phishing site mimicking a trusted institution.
  
  
• Victims unknowingly enter sensitive data or make unauthorized payments.
  
  

Red Flags

• QR codes from unknown sources or suspicious environments.
  
  
• Sites with strange URLs or login requests.
  
  
• Pressure to act immediately once on the page.
  
  

Tips to Stay Safe

• Don’t scan QR codes unless from trusted and verified sources.
  
  
• Double-check the URL after scanning.
  
  
• Use phone security apps that warn about phishing attempts.