A new kind of digital scam is spreading across the UK, where criminals trick people using fake QR codes. This type of scam is called “quishing,” and it has been growing quickly. In 2023, there were over 1,300 reports of this scam, compared to only 100 cases in 2019, showing just how fast it’s increasing.
How These Scams Work
Scammers take advantage of everyday places where QR codes are used for payments or information. This includes locations like parking spots or restaurant tables where you scan codes to pay or view menus. What these scammers do is cover the real QR codes with fake ones that they control.
When someone scans the fake code, it sends them to a fake website. The site may ask them to enter payment details, thinking it’s a normal payment page. In some cases, clicking the link may even install harmful software on the person’s phone without them knowing.
Why It’s Hard to Notice
These scams can be hard to detect. Unlike large frauds that take big sums of money at once, these scams often take small amounts over time, making it less likely for someone to notice. The charges might look like monthly fees or parking payments, so they often go unnoticed.
Cyber experts say that what makes this scam dangerous is how real the fake websites appear. The links that come up after scanning look just like real ones, so people don’t think twice before enterin
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