QR codes are now a common part of everyday life. They’re widely used for payments, menus, public transport, and logging into services because they’re quick and easy to scan with a smartphone. However, that convenience also makes them a target for scammers.
Unlike normal links, most QR codes don’t show their destination before being scanned, making it harder for users to tell whether they are safe. Scammers take advantage of this through “quishing” (QR phishing), where malicious QR codes direct users to fake websites designed to steal personal or financial information.
In some cases, QR codes can also trigger harmful downloads that infect devices with malware.
In public places, criminals may place fake QR code stickers over legitimate ones, such as on parking meters, or use redirects to make scam websites appear trustworthy.
A recent example involved a prank video shared on social media, where a QR code labelled “Free Wi-Fi” was placed in a McDonald’s restaurant. Instead of connecting users to free internet, the code redirected them to an image of a gorilla holding up its middle finger and laughing.
While this example was intended as a joke, it highlights how easily QR codes can mislead users.
Despite these risks, QR codes themselves are not dangerous if used carefully. Users should treat QR codes the same way they would treat unknown links online.
Here are some important safety tips:
• Check the source of the QR code by confirming it with the shop or staff member, and only scan codes from trusted sources.
• Look for signs of tampering, such as stickers placed over existing QR codes.
• Preview the web address before opening it, if your phone allows it.
• Avoid scanning QR codes sent through unsolicited emails or messages.
• Be cautious about entering personal or financial information after scanning a code.
• Keep devices and security software updated to help protect against threats.
Overall, QR codes are useful tools, but they remove an important safety step — being able to see where a link leads before opening it.
The key takeaway is to stay alert, verify sources, and never trust a QR code without checking it first.
Editor Note – Chitchat Newspaper, will always verify a QR Code prior to publishing in the newspaper, however we still recommend the steps above always be followed regardless.
Chitchat Newspaper. June 2026.