QR codes have gone from niche tech to everyday life.
Menus in cafés, bus timetables, event tickets, even “scan to pay” posters — they’re everywhere.
But here’s the thing:
That same convenience makes them a perfect tool for hackers.
What QR Codes Really Do
A QR code is basically just a link in disguise. When you scan it, your phone jumps to whatever that code says:
• A website
• A payment page
• A file download
• A Wi-Fi connection setup
It’s quick and slick — but also means you can’t see what you’re about to open until it’s too late.
How Hackers Exploit Them
- Sticker swaps
Crooks slap fake QR stickers on top of real ones in public spaces (bus stops, parking meters, even café tables). - Payment scams
Codes redirect you to fake checkout or donation sites to steal card details. - Malware downloads
Some QR codes trigger dodgy apps or files to install on your device. - Phishing in disguise
Hackers send QR codes in emails or leaflets that lead to copycat login pages.
Real Example
In 2022, police in Texas warned about criminals placing fake QR codes on parking meters.
Drivers thought they were paying for parking, but the codes actually sent them to phishing websites that harvested bank card details.
Simple swap. Big consequences.
Do This Today
- Check before you scan
If a code looks like it’s been stuck on badly, think twice. - Preview the link
Most phones show the link before opening. If it looks weird, don’t click. - Stick to trusted sources
Only scan codes from official apps, receipts, or trusted places. - Avoid scanning random codes in public
Especially ones promising freebies or prizes. - Use security apps
Some QR scanner apps can flag suspicious links before you land on them.
Key Takeaway
QR codes are handy shortcuts — but shortcuts can also take you somewhere you don’t want to be. Treat them like links in an email: don’t trust blindly, and always check where they lead.
At The Cyber Workshop, our Phishing & Social Engineering Workshop shows you exactly how these sneaky tricks work in the real world, and how to avoid falling for them. It’s about confidence, not paranoia.
Till next time,
If the QR code looks like it was printed in someone’s shed, maybe give it a miss.
