The Hidden Risks of QR Codes in 2025 – and How to Stay Safe

Quick Response (QR) codes are more popular than ever in 2025. From restaurant menus and event check-ins to payment gateways and public transport, QR codes have become a fast, contactless solution for accessing information, making purchases, and checking in at events. But that convenience comes with a new layer of risks. Cybercriminals are now using QR codes to trick people into visiting fake websites, sharing personal information, and sending money directly to scammers.

In this blog, we’ll explore the growing risks associated with QR codes and share tips on how to stay safe while still enjoying the convenience offered by QR codes.

Common QR Code Scam Tactics

1. Fake QR Code Stickers: Scammers print fake QR code stickers and place them over legitimate QR codes on restaurant menus, posters, parking meters, and business counters. These codes redirect users to a legitimate-looking, malicious site instead of the real one and can steal data by tricking users into entering credentials, credit card details, or other sensitive information.

2. Quishing: QR code phishing, commonly referred to as “quishing”, is a simple phishing attack where, instead of a clickable hyperlink, scammers disguise malicious links within a QR code and then send these unsolicited QR codes via email, text message, or social media, often including urgent or enticing messages. Once scanned, the code can lead to phishing sites, or even the installation of spyware or malware on your device.

3. Payment Redirection: Fraudulent QR codes can divert payments to the scammer’s account instead of the intended recipient. Users are deceived into initiating payments to what appears to be a legitimate entity, but the funds are actually sent directly to the criminal’s account.

4. Malware Scams: Malware scams involve a QR code that downloads malicious software directly onto your device that can track your keystrokes, access your personal files, or even take control of your device. This type of malware can not only render your smartphone unusable, but also compromise your personal finances and identity.

How to Protect Yourself from QR Code Scams

You don’t have to avoid using QR codes entirely. With a bit of caution and awareness, you can use them safely. Here are some practical tips to stay safe:

1. Think Before You Scan: Before scanning any QR code, especially one in a public space, take a moment to inspect it. If it looks like a sticker placed on top of another code, or appears tampered with, don’t scan it. In digital messages, be cautious of QR codes from unknown senders or unexpected sources.

2. Don’t Scan Unsolicited Codes: Never scan codes from random flyers, emails, texts, or social media posts especially if the message relays urgency or seems too good to be true. Instead, go directly to the website or service by typing the URL manually in your browser.

3. Preview the Link: Many modern smartphones and QR code scanning applications will show you the URL that the code links to before opening it. Always take a moment to check the URL preview for typos, suspicious domain names, or missing “https”.

4. Never Enter Personal Information After Scanning: If a scanned QR code directs you to a site requesting login credentials, payment details, or other sensitive information, close it immediately. If needed, go to the official website through trusted sources.

5. Verify Before Paying: Always confirm the recipient when sending money via a QR code, especially in peer-to-peer apps. If possible, manually verify the payment information.

6. Enable Mobile Security: Install trusted antivirus or mobile security software that scans links, warns about unsafe sites, and blocks suspicious downloads in real time. This adds an extra layer of protection.

QR codes aren’t the enemy–careless scanning is. As QR scams become more common, it’s important to treat every scan with the same caution you would a suspicious link or email. By staying alert and verifying what you scan, you can avoid falling for these increasingly common tricks.

A little caution goes a long way. The next time you’re about to scan a QR code, take a moment to think: ‘Do I trust where this will take me?’

Good habits are the first step — we’ll help you take the next.

No matter the size of your team, DigitalMint’s cybersecurity experts can support your journey toward a more secure and informed organization. Contact us to get started