QR codes have become an everyday tool for quickly accessing websites or digital restaurant menus, making online payments, and benefiting from all types of digital services. However, this convenience has been exploited by cybercriminals to devise a new attack technique that is increasingly common and can affect any user: QR code phishing.

This type of scam combines technological deception and manipulation techniques to trick users into scanning a malicious code. By doing this, victims can end up on a fake page that steals personal data, banking credentials, or installs malware on their devices. The cost of this can be high: loss of money, identity theft, or unauthorized access to important accounts. And anyone can be a victim. All you have to do is scan or read a code generated by a cybercriminal.

In this article, we will explain exactly what QR code phishing is and how these attacks work, and will provide you with real-world examples of recent scams, and most importantly, tips to protect yourself easily from these attacks.

Additionally, we will tell you what Panda does to protect users from these threats. Our Panda Dome products include a QR code scanner for iOS and Android that analyzes the content of QR codes before you access the corresponding links. Thus, you can enjoy the convenience of QR codes, safely.

What Is QR Code Phishing?

QR code phishing is a cyber-scam technique in which attackers use malicious QR codes to trick users and redirect them to fraudulent websites.These codes may look legitimate, but scanning them can redirect users to fake sites mimicking banks, payment platforms, or social networks. Their goal: to steal credentials, financial data, or personal info.

What makes this threat so dangerous is that QR codes do not show where they take you until they are scanned. This lack of visibility gives cybercriminals an advantage to camouflage malicious links without raising suspicion. These codes are usually placed in physical locations such as signs, restaurant tables, or gas stations, but they can also be distributed through email messages or social media.

How QR Code Phishing Attacks Work

QR code phishing attacks consist of several stages:

  1. Malicious code creation: The attacker generates a QR code that directs users to a fraudulent URL, designed to appear legitimate. Sometimes, it can also redirect to the download of fraudulent apps.
  2. Code distribution: This code can be printed and placed in public areas, pasted on top of legitimate codes, sent by physical mail, or included in digital spam campaigns.</span> 
  3. Victim capture: The victim scans the code with their smartphone, believing they will access a trusted site.
  4. Data theft: The fake site requests personal or financial information, which is sent directly to the attacker.
  5. Consequences: The stolen information can be used to impersonate the victim’s identity, empty their bank accounts, or can be sold on the dark web.

This type of attack has a very strong physical component. Hervé Lambert, Global Consumer Operations Manager at Panda Security warns: “The physical layer is crucial because many cyberattacks begin with attackers obtaining personal information through physical means.”

Additionally, attackers are adapting these techniques to include artificial intelligence, making their scams even more convincing. That is why it is essential to combine real-world caution with advanced cybersecurity solutions that can respond to AI-powered cyberthreats.

Real Examples of QR Code Phishing

QR code phishing attacks are not just a theoretical risk; they have already happened and are on the rise. For example, in Switzerland, a group of cybercriminals used fake postal letters that appeared to come from governmental organizations. These letters included QR codes that redirected victims to fake sites where they were requested to enter their banking credentials.

Another incident showed how cybercriminals use QR codes printed on advertising materials to redirect users to fake sweepstakes or promotions. When users participate, they end up voluntarily providing personal data to scammers. You can see more details in our blog post here: “What is a QR Code Scam?”.

Scams have also been documented in places such as parking lots or gas stations, where stickers with fake codes are placed over real ones. In these cases, victims believe they are paying for parking, but they are actually providing their banking information to an attacker. The financial impact can be significant: Cases have been reported where victims have lost up to €14,000 after scanning a fraudulent QR code.

These attacks demonstrate the growing sophistication of QR code phishing and the urgent need to take precautions. In this respect, Panda Security, with user welfare in mind, has launched the ultimate tool to avoid these problems: Secure QR Scanner. Secure QR Scanner is a secure QR code reader included in Panda Dome and available for both iOS and Android. This tool is designed to detect and block phishing or quishing attempts through QR codes, ensuring a risk-free scanning experience and providing an additional layer of security to protect users from potential threats.

How to Protect Yourself from QR Code Phishing

The increasing sophistication of QR code phishing requires users to adopt a proactive security stance against this threat. Far from being a purely digital risk, this type of scam exploits both the online and physical environments to deceive victims. From fake QR codes placed in public places to official-looking postal letters, attacks can occur anywhere.

Therefore, protection must be addressed from a comprehensive perspective. Having a good antivirus is not enough. It is essential to develop a security culture that includes a critical analysis of what we scan, the use of trusted tools, and knowledge of how cybercriminals operate.

As Hervé Lambert explains, “Security should not be limited only to the digital environment. From the perspective of a cybersecurity provider, it is essential to have tools that protect the user from threats that can arise in both physical environments, such as a letter or a printed QR code, and in the digital channels we use daily. We must protect our information and digital footprint.” That is why, at Panda Security, we have launched the Secure QR Scanner tool, available in our Panda Dome line for iOS and Android. This tool enables you to scan QR codes before opening the corresponding links, automatically blocking those considered malicious. 

To protect yourself from this threat, it is crucial to adopt preventive measures both in the physical and digital environment. Here we provide a series of effective recommendations:

1. Use secure scanning applications

Tools such as Secure QR Scanner (available for iOS and Android). This tool included in Panda Dome enables you to securely scan QR codes before opening the links, automatically blocking those considered malicious.

2. Verify the source of QR codes

Before scanning a code, evaluate whether it appears legitimate. Be wary of codes placed in suspicious locations or over other codes.

3. Do not enter sensitive data after scanning a QR code

If, after scanning a QR code, you are requested to provide confidential information such as passwords, banking data, or credentials, stop and verify the URL.

4. Keep your devices updated

This helps protect you from vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit. Panda Dome includes an update manager that makes sure your system is always up to date.

5. Awareness and training

Educating yourself about phishing risks is one of the best defenses. You can find more educational resources on the Panda Security blog.

Additionally, to enhance your security, you can complement your protection with features such as Panda Dome Passwords, a robust password manager included in the Panda Dome Complete and Panda Dome Premium plans. This tool is also available as a standalone product.

As if that were not enough, the Panda Dark Web Scanner tool, included in all Panda Dome plans, enables you to check whether your personal information is circulating on the dark web and alerts you if your credentials have been compromised.

When you use a complete solution such as Panda Dome, you not only protect yourself from QR code phishing, but also from malware, ransomware, and more complex threats that can affect your privacy and digital life.

After Tool Installation, Prevention Is Your Best Defense 

The rise of QR code phishing is a reflection of how cybercriminals quickly adapt to our digital and physical routines. A once fast, secure way to access services is now a gateway to fraud, identity theft, and financial loss.

That is why, after you install and use the appropriate technological tools, prevention and education are your best defense. Every time you scan a QR code, you are making a trust decision. Make sure that this trust is backed by tools designed to protect you.

Do you want to scan QR codes with complete peace of mind? Download Panda Dome QR Scanner on your devices and keep QR code phishing at bay. And, if you are looking for comprehensive protection, explore our Panda Dome plans and discover everything they can do for you.

Frequently Asked Questions about QR Code Phishing

Is It Safe to Scan Any QR Code?

No. Many QR codes are safe, but cybercriminals can use them to redirect users to fake sites or install malware. Use the Panda Dome Secure QR Scanner tool to verify the source of QR codes before scanning them. 

How Can I Determine whether a QR Code Is Malicious?

It is important to use a secure QR code reader, such as the Secure QR Scanner tool included in all Panda Dome paid plans. You cannot determine whether a URL is malicious or not just by viewing it. Additionally, the use of shortened URLs that do not raise suspicion is becoming more common. Be wary of QR codes in uncommon places or that do not come from a trusted source.

What Should I Do if I Scan a Suspicious QR Code without Using Panda Dome Secure QR Scanner?

Close the website immediately without entering any personal information and run a security scan on your device. Change your passwords if you believe you could have been a victim of phishing.

What Type of Information Do Criminals Try to Steal with QR Code Phishing?

Mainly login credentials (such as email addresses and passwords), banking data, personal information, and even access details to corporate networks.

Can QR Codes Automatically Install Viruses on My Mobile Device?

QR codes themselves cannot automatically install viruses on your mobile device. However, they can redirect you to malicious websites or initiate the download of apps that contain malware. That’s why it’s important to install a tool like Panda Dome Secure QR Scanner. Use it to scan any QR code. Never download anything from suspicious links.

Does QR Code Phishing Affect Only Mobile Devices?

QR code phishing is not limited exclusively to mobile devices. It can affect any device capable of scanning QR codes, accessing the Internet, and devices with a camera (including tablets, laptops, and desktop computers).