QR Code Scams Are on the Rise—How to Protect Your Business Before It’s Too Late

QR codes used to feel harmless. Just scan and go. But in 2025, cybercriminals have weaponized these little squares into powerful phishing tools—known as “quishing.”

At Pacific IT Support, we help organizations defend against these evolving threats. Read on to learn how quishing works, see real-world examples, and discover ways to safeguard your business.

What Is Quishing—and Why It’s Exploding Now

Quishing—short for QR code phishing—is a fast-growing cyber threat where attackers use malicious QR codes to trick users into visiting fake websites, downloading malware, or handing over sensitive information. These codes are deceptively simple: they look harmless, often appear in trusted places, and bypass traditional email filters because they’re image-based rather than text-based.

The surge in quishing attacks is closely tied to the widespread adoption of QR codes in everyday life. From restaurant menus and parking meters to invoices and event flyers, QR codes are now a default tool for quick access. But this convenience comes at a cost: users rarely know what a QR code will do until they scan it, and many don’t verify the destination URL before taking action.

According to TechRadar, the lack of visual transparency—combined with the growing reliance on QR codes—has made them a prime target for cybercriminals. KeepNet Labs reports a 25% year-over-year increase in malicious QR code usage across both digital and physical environments. Meanwhile, NordVPN and other cybersecurity firms estimate that over 26 million users have already fallen victim to QR-related scams, ranging from credential theft to financial fraud.

This trend is especially dangerous for businesses, where a single scan by an employee could compromise entire systems. As QR codes become more embedded in workflows and customer interactions, organizations must treat them as potential attack vectors—not just marketing tools.

Read also: Don’t Click That! A Simple Guide to Identifying Phishing Emails in 2025 

Real-World Quishing Examples

Here are some recent and impactful examples of how quishing is being used in the wild:

• Parking Meter Scams: In several UK cities, scammers placed fake QR code stickers over legitimate ones on parking meters. Unsuspecting drivers scanned them and were redirected to fraudulent payment portals. The scam led to over £3.5 million in losses in just one year.

• Invoice Attacks: Cybercriminals send spoofed invoices—often mimicking vendors or internal departments—with QR codes that redirect payments to their own accounts. These attacks bypass email filters and exploit trust in familiar-looking documents.

• Phishing Posters: Fake HR notices, event flyers, or promotional posters placed in office buildings or public spaces contain QR codes that lead to malicious login pages or malware downloads. These are especially effective in hybrid work environments where physical and digital security often overlap.

Read also: Ransomware 3.0: What YOU Need to Know in 2025 

Recognizing QR Code Red Flags

While QR codes are designed for convenience, they can easily be weaponized. Here are key warning signs to help you and your team spot suspicious QR codes before scanning:

• Unexpected QR Codes: Be cautious of QR codes that appear in emails, texts, or printed materials without prior context—especially if they’re from unknown senders or sources.

• Lack of Explanation: Legitimate QR codes usually come with a clear label or description (e.g., “Scan to view our menu” or “Scan to pay”). If there’s no explanation of what the code does, treat it with suspicion.

• Overlay Stickers: In physical spaces, check if the QR code is a sticker placed over another code. Scammers often cover real codes with fake ones—especially on parking meters, restaurant tables, or public kiosks.

• Odd-Looking URLs: After scanning, preview the URL before clicking. Watch for shortened links (like bit.ly), misspelled domains, or URLs that don’t match the expected brand or service.

• Immediate Requests for Sensitive Info: If scanning a QR code leads to a page asking for login credentials, payment details, or personal information right away, it’s likely a phishing attempt.

• Urgency or Threats: Be wary of QR codes tied to messages that pressure you to act quickly—such as “Your account will be locked!” or “Pay now to avoid penalties.” These are classic phishing tactics.

Read also: Why MFA Alone Is No Longer Enough in 2025 

How to Keep Your Business Safe from Quishing

Educate Your Team

• Run regular cybersecurity awareness training that includes QR code threats.
• Teach employees how to preview URLs and recognize phishing tactics.
• Share examples of real-world scams to make the risks tangible.

Implement Mobile Security Tools

• Use mobile device management (MDM) solutions to control app permissions and scanning behavior.
• Deploy endpoint protection that can detect malicious links opened via QR codes.

Secure Physical Spaces

• Regularly inspect QR codes in your office, lobby, or customer areas.
• Use tamper-proof signage and avoid placing QR codes in easily accessible public spots.

Filter and Monitor Communications

• Configure email filters to flag messages with embedded QR codes.
• Monitor for unusual activity following QR scans—such as login attempts or data transfers.

Test and Simulate Attacks

• Run simulated quishing campaigns to test employee response.
• Use phishing simulation tools to track who scans and clicks, then follow up with training.

Confirm Payment Requests

• If an invoice has a QR code, call the vendor before scanning or paying.

Read also: What to Do If Your Business Gets Hacked: A 2025 Incident Response Guide

Why It Matters

Quishing is as successful—and often more insidious—than traditional phishing. A study found that quishing emails are as effective as regular phishing emails and significantly harder for automated systems to detect. Without awareness, you’re exposing keys to your kingdom—your credentials and sensitive data.

How Pacific IT Support Protects You

Pacific IT Support can help assess your current security posture, implement mobile protections, and train your team to spot threats before they become breaches. We specialize in helping small to mid-sized businesses stay ahead of evolving cyber risks—including emerging threats like quishing.

We offer:

• Full endpoint and DNS monitoring
• Phishing resilience testing
• Incident response planning

Let’s ensure your business is protected from threats that strike beyond your inbox. QR codes are everywhere—but with evolving threats like quishing, vigilance is your best defense.

📩 Contact us today for a security review that includes quishing awareness and training.

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