Whether for paying bills, at car park ticket machines or in restaurants, QR codes have become an integral part of our everyday lives. Fraudsters also know how to take advantage of this.
07.04.2026 –In so-called "quishing" (QR code phishing), fake QR codes are used to lure victims to websites that have been tampered with or to redirect payments to phoney recipients. Examples include fake QR codes on car park ticket machines or on parking penalty notices.
This is how you can protect yourself:
- Check the URL: Many QR code scanners (but unfortunately not the cameras in mobile phones) show where the link leads - take the time to look at the address carefully.
- Do not enter any personal data: If a page asks for PINs, SMS codes, CVC/CVV numbers or passwords, abort the process immediately.
- Check the QR code: In public places in particular, fraudsters can stick specially created QR codes over genuine ones. It is therefore worth taking a close look at the code.
Read more News
It pays to be sceptical
Fisherwoman LINDA has been helping to protect against phishing for over a year. Read more
Beware of rotten eggs in your inbox!
It’s not just chocolate bunnies that hide at Easter – phishing emails and attempted scams are often… Read more
Better protection thanks to 2-factor authentication
2FA sounds complicated – but it’s one of the easiest ways to secure your online payments. Read more
