BE AWARE: QR Code Scams

Posted on August 27th, 2025

There’s not many places you can go these days without encountering a QR code. Whether scanning one to see a menu or showing one to security to gain access to a concert, QR codes have are becoming part of our everyday lives, and with them come the risk of QR code phishing scams – also called “quishing.”

Quishing is a newer tactic scammers are using to access your personal information, like access bank accounts and social security numbers, without you realizing it. They depend on people being used to QR codes working without issues that they’ll scan them without thinking or verifying that they are legit. However, being aware of these scams and knowing how to identify when a QR code might lead to a fraudulent website can help you mitigate the risk of having your personal information stolen.

One of the most important things to keep in mind is that scammers tend to try and create a sense of urgency when contacting you. This could be anything like saying that you have unpaid tolls, or that a package can’t be delivered because of incorrect information. It’s vital that you don’t let the sense of urgency cloud your judgement so you can keep your information safe.

Be wary of any QR codes that are sent by strangers, especially if they claim to have special offers for you. Often times, short links are a sign that you’ll be redirected to a fraudulent site, so be sure to inspect and verify the source of the code. If you receive a message over social media from someone claiming to be a friend or family member with a QR code, you should reach out to that individual to see if it’s really them. This is especially important because if they didn’t send you the message, that means there’s a chance their information is also compromised.

If you come across any QR codes while out and about, be aware of QR code stickers that fraudsters put over legitimate ones. Scammers will put these stickers over things like parking meters and create a site that looks real, when in reality they’re stealing your bank account info. If a QR code sticker looks uneven, ripped in some areas, or in any way is giving you a bad gut feeling, it’s better to leave it alone, just to be safe.

With the advancement of technology and the internet, fraudsters are continually getting smarter and better at posing as companies with fake websites. It can be especially stressful when they make it seem like an urgent situation. Just be sure that you keep a level head in these situations and are aware of the ways to identify QR codes and links that are likely fake.

It’s also important to know that NuMark will never contact you through email or phone asking for you to provide personal information. Instead, we will ask you to call your local branch or the NuMark Call Center so that you know you’re talking to one of our employees.