QR Code 'Quishing' Scams Surge: How to Protect Your Business and Personal Data

Milton Haworth thought he was simply paying for parking when he scanned a QR code at a council-run car park in Castleford, West Yorkshire. Instead, he unknowingly downloaded an unauthorised app and agreed to a seemingly small 90p fee to verify his bank details. The next day, £39 had been withdrawn from his account, signing him up for an unwanted subscription with no refunds available. "I'd assumed I'd paid for my parking but realised it was a scam," he told the BBC. (BBC News)

While Milton's financial loss was limited, the consequences of these scams can be far more serious. Cybercriminals often use small scams like this as a stepping stone, harvesting sensitive personal and financial information to carry out much larger frauds later — including draining bank accounts, committing identity theft, or launching secondary attacks against victims. In some cases, businesses could face significant financial loss, legal issues, and reputational damage.

Sadly, incidents like Milton's are becoming increasingly common. According to Action Fraud, reports of QR code scams have surged 14-fold over the past five years. Organised criminal gangs are exploiting public trust in QR codes, turning them into tools for fraud.

At Ratcliffes Insurance Brokers, we are committed to helping businesses and individuals stay protected against evolving cyber threats, including QR code phishing scams.

 

What is QR Code 'Quishing'?

'Quishing' is a form of phishing where fraudsters use fraudulent QR codes to lure victims to fake websites. Once there, victims are tricked into entering personal information, bank details, or even downloading malicious software.

Common targets include:

• Car park payment signage

• Restaurant menus

• Parcel delivery notices

• Fake invoices or business communications

Criminals often place counterfeit QR code stickers over legitimate ones, making them hard to detect.

 

Why the Rise in QR Code Scams?

• Contactless Culture: More people are accustomed to scanning QR codes without thinking.

• Ease of Execution: Criminals can cheaply print convincing stickers that blend into real signage.

• Data Harvesting: Scammers often start by stealing small amounts of money, but use the collected information to commit larger frauds later.

According to Katherine Hart from the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, as cited in a BBC article, victims often don't realise they've been compromised until much larger scams occur days or weeks later.

 

How to Protect Yourself and Your Business

Drawing on advice from the South West Cyber Resilience Centre (SWCRC) and national experts, here are key precautions to prevent falling victim to QR code phishing scams:

• Inspect the QR Code: Look for signs of tampering, such as stickers placed over original signage.

• Think Before You Scan: Be cautious about scanning codes from unexpected sources.

• Check URLs Carefully: If you scan a code, verify that the website URL is legitimate before entering any information.

• Avoid Downloading Apps via QR Codes: Always download apps from trusted stores like Google Play or the Apple App Store.

• Report Suspicious QR Codes: Notify Action Fraud and local authorities if you encounter a suspicious code.

• Educate Your Staff: Businesses should educate employees about QR scams, particularly those handling invoices, payments, or customer interactions.

 

The Role of Cyber Insurance for Businesses

Even with vigilance, no system is completely immune. Cyber liability insurance for businesses offers a crucial safety net, helping organisations:

• Recover stolen funds

• Manage data breaches

• Cover legal and regulatory costs

• Mitigate reputational damage

At Ratcliffes Insurance Brokers, we tailor cyber insurance solutions to protect your business against the unexpected consequences of cybercrime, including QR code phishing scams.

 

Stay Alert and Stay Safe

The surge in QR code 'quishing' scams highlights the need for increased vigilance in everyday transactions. By staying informed and implementing strong safeguards, businesses and individuals can protect themselves from significant financial and reputational harm.

You can read more about QR code scams here:
👉 BBC News - QR Code 'Quishing' Scams Up 14-Fold
👉 SWCRC - HMRC Phishing Scam Alert

For tailored advice on strengthening your cyber resilience and exploring cyber insurance options, contact Ratcliffes Insurance Brokers today.