Quick Response (QR) Codes are everywhere—on product packaging, menus, marketing material, and business signage. They’re a simple, versatile tool that customers have grown to expect when interacting with a brand.
However, with great convenience comes some risk. Cybercriminals are using the popularity of QR Codes to run phishing scams. These scams use malicious QR Codes that lead to pages designed to steal personal information, which puts both customer safety and your brand’s reputation on the line.
That’s why it’s important to educate customers and employees on how to spot fake QR Codes, while also implementing safety measures like branding your QR Codes. In this post, we’ll dive into the risks of QR Code phishing and share practical steps to boost your defenses.
*Note: All brands and examples discussed below were found during our online research for this article.
What is QR Code phishing?
There are several different types of phishing, and most people are familiar with phishing emails—those suspicious messages from imposters posing as trusted brands, trying to lure you into clicking malicious links. QR Code phishing, or “quishing,” is a lot like this, but it adds a twist.
Instead of sharing suspicious links directly, scammers hide them in QR Codes. When scanned, these codes direct you to fake websites designed to steal your personal or financial information. Some even secretly download malware onto your mobile device.
What makes QR code phishing particularly tricky is its broad reach—it targets everyone, from everyday consumers to enterprise-level businesses. Like email phishing, these scammers disguise themselves as trusted partners or brands, sweetening the bait with tempting offers. Anyone can be vulnerable, and that’s why staying informed is key.
Why is QR Code phishing on the rise?
Barracuda, a cybersecurity company, identified over 500,000 phishing QR Codes sent via email between mid-June and mid-September of 2024—a striking reminder of how scams are evolving alongside technology. Another study found that QR codes are a preferred tool in 22% of phishing campaigns.
The rise in quishing cases is no coincidence. QR Codes have become a digital staple, with businesses using them to streamline access to digital resources. This makes them a rich target for scammers.
Why are these scams so effective? Many people assume QR Codes are trustworthy because they’ve become commonplace.
A survey found that 68% of respondents reported scanning a QR Code at least once in 2023, showing a growing acceptance by everyday consumers. Unfortunately, this familiarity can reduce caution, creating the perfect opening for a phishing attack.
How does a QR Code phishing attack (or quishing) work?
To protect yourself, you first need to understand how QR Code phishing works. Here’s a simple breakdown of this phishing tactic:
1. Scammers create fake QR Codes
Fraudsters start by creating fake websites or landing pages that look real. These phishing pages create the illusion of legitimacy and trick visitors into providing sensitive information.
Next, they create fake QR Codes linked to these websites. These 2D barcodes are then strategically placed in public spaces or posted online, disguised as trustworthy sources to lure unsuspecting users.
2. The QR Codes direct users to malicious URLs
When people scan the fake QR Codes, they’re redirected to the scammers’ malicious websites. These sites are often nearly identical to legitimate ones, with familiar logos, branding, login pages, and design elements.
This attention to detail provides a false sense of security, which increases the likelihood of users giving private information like login credentials or banking details.
3. Scammers share the fake QR Codes on legitimate materials
To make the trap more convincing, scammers may overlay fake QR codes onto legitimate materials, like restaurant menus, event posters, or advertisements. The aim is to blend the QR codes into a natural setting where people’s guards are lowered.
Some scammers even create marketing materials and distribute them in areas consumers frequent. This makes it vital for businesses and customers to understand the risks and be mindful of how they use QR Codes.
How to protect yourself and others from phishing attempts at your business
The good news is that there are steps you can take to avoid falling victim to phishing threats. By following these tips and implementing the right security measures, you can protect your business, employees, and customers.
Look for signs of tampering
As mentioned, scammers typically place QR Codes in areas where customers expect them. To stay ahead of phishing attempts, inspect your menus, posters, and other materials regularly for signs of tampering. Look for scratches, overlays, or inconsistencies in the design, such as altered patterns, unusual corners, or misleading calls to action.
These are all red flags that a counterfeit code might have been placed where yours should be. Replace the affected QR Codes immediately to protect your brand and your customers.
Only use branded QR Codes
Branded QR Codes build trust by making it clear that the code belongs to your business. So customize your codes with your brand’s colors, logo, and style to make them instantly recognizable. This simple step helps your customers distinguish real codes from fakes—and builds brand recognition and consistency at the same time.
You can go further by using custom domains and back-halves in your URLs. These features make it easier for target audiences to tell if links are safe before clicking them. Custom back-halves in your URLs also let customers know what to expect when they click through.
Bitly offers extensive URL and QR Code customization capabilities, allowing you to create codes and links that are hard for scammers to copy. The platform also includes advanced security controls to protect both you and your customers.
Educate your team and customers on QR Code safety
Knowledge is a valuable defense against phishing. Educate customers and employees about the risks of QR Code phishing and how to recognize suspicious QR Codes that don’t match your branding or appear in unusual locations.
In addition, share tips for spotting red flags in links and websites, such as typos or odd characters. If you offer services that require customers to log into online accounts, tell them to enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) to make it hard for scammers to log in, even if they have the person’s credentials.
You can also offer QR Codes for authenticator apps, ensuring only customers and employees with dedicated codes can securely log into your platform.
To keep security awareness top of mind, post friendly reminders in stores, on social media, or in blogs. Consistent and open communication helps build safe scanning and browsing habits over time.
Track your QR Code engagement
Your engagement numbers can help you identify issues with QR Codes. For example, with Bitly’s scan-by-location data, you can identify unexpected drops in scan numbers in specific locations. This could signal that scammers have swapped out your QR Codes for counterfeit ones.
Use this data to take immediate action—replace compromised codes and inspect nearby ones for tampering.
Scan tracking and monitoring can help you maintain security while providing insights into customer habits and preferences. You can see which campaigns or offers drive engagement and use these insights to refine your strategies.
Link to secure, shortened URLs
Amp up your security against QR code phishing by using shortened URLs from reliable platforms like Bitly. With Bitly, you can add your custom domain to your QR Code URLs, which can reassure your customers that the link is legitimate and secure.
We prioritize trust and safety at Bitly, so our platform includes advanced security tools and features like:
- A dedicated security team that uses our Threat Detection Service (TDS) to monitor all Bitly Links
- A comprehensive two-way reporting system for malicious links
- A database of harmful URLs that allows us to quickly and proactively identify malicious usage
When you choose a shortener like Bitly that prioritizes security, you can confidently protect your customers and establish trust in your brand.
Stay secure and avoid quishing attacks with safe QR Codes
Protecting your business and customers from quishing scams starts with a few simple measures: monitor your QR Codes regularly, customize them with your branding, and use secure, shortened links. The safer your codes are, the more valuable they’ll be for your brand.
With Bitly, safeguarding your codes and links is easy. In addition to built-in security features, the platform gives you access to extensive customization features, allowing you to include your logo, brand colors, and domain name in QR Codes and short URLs.
You’ll also receive real-time engagement data and around-the-clock link monitoring to help you quickly identify potential phishing attempts and take action.
Sign up for Bitly today for secure QR Codes and links that minimize the risk of phishing scams and other cyber threats!
