Quishing

What it is

Quishing combines “QR” and “phishing.” Instead of a suspicious link in an email alone, the attacker puts a QR code on a poster, flyer, parking ticket, restaurant table tent, package label, or inside a message. When you scan it, your phone opens a URL the scammer controls.

The goal is the same as classic phishing: steal passwords, one-time codes, payment details, or personal data — or push you into installing something harmful. Quishing works well because people trust QR codes in everyday places and often scan without checking the destination.

How it works

1. Bait — A QR code appears somewhere you might expect a real one (billing notice, delivery update, Wi‑Fi signup, “verify your account,” parking payment).
2. Scan — Your camera or QR app opens a link. On many phones you only see a short preview of the domain — easy to miss if it’s a lookalike.
3. Trap — A page mimics a bank, delivery service, employer portal, or crypto wallet and asks you to sign in, pay, or “confirm” identity.
4. Payoff — Stolen credentials, card data, or remote access; sometimes a follow-up call or text (vishing/smishing) to finish the scam.

Attackers also sticker over legitimate codes (for example on parking meters or restaurant menus) so a trusted place leads to a malicious URL.

Red flags

• A QR code in an unexpected place, or one that looks freshly stuck over another code
• Urgency: “Pay now,” “Account locked,” “Package held — scan to release”
• After scanning, the URL doesn’t match the brand you expected (misspellings, odd domains, extra words)
• A login or payment page that asks for more than the situation needs (SSN, seed phrase, full card + CVV + “verify by text”)
• Requests to install an app from outside the official App Store / Google Play
• A code sent in a cold email or text from someone you don’t do business with

What to do if you’re targeted

• Don’t enter credentials or pay on a page you reached from a surprise QR code. Close the tab.
• Check the URL before typing anything. When in doubt, open the real site or app yourself (bookmark or official store listing) — don’t reuse the scanned link.
• If you already entered a password: change it on the real site, enable multifactor authentication, and review recent account activity.
• If you shared payment info: contact your bank or card issuer and watch statements.
• Report phishing to the platform or brand involved, and consider reporting to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov (U.S.).
• For a broader check-in: run a free identity scan or start monitoring if you’re worried your personal data may already be exposed elsewhere.

Related terms

• PhishingComing soon
• SmishingComing soon
• VishingComing soon
• Identity theftComing soon

Related reading

Quishing scams: how fake QR codes can drain your bank account