⚠️ CYBER ALERT: Beware "Quishing" Scams Using QR Codes

⚠️ CYBER ALERT: Beware "Quishing" Scams Using QR Codes

Devon & Cornwall Police is warning residents about a growing cyber threat known as "Quishing", where criminals use QR codes to direct people to fraudulent websites designed to steal personal, financial or account login information.

A QR code may appear safe because it avoids the suspicious links traditionally seen in phishing emails. However, scanning a malicious QR code can take you to a fake website that looks genuine and may ask you to enter passwords, payment card details, or other personal information. 

How Quishing Scams Work

Criminals may send QR codes via:

Warning Signs

Be suspicious if a QR code:

How to Protect Yourself

✅ Think before you scan.

✅ Verify who sent the message.

✅ Preview the website address if your phone offers this option.

✅ Check that the web address matches the genuine organisation.

✅ Never enter passwords, banking details, or one-time passcodes unless you are absolutely certain the website is legitimate.

✅ If in doubt, visit the organisation's website directly using your browser rather than scanning the QR code.

If You Have Scanned a Suspicious QR Code

If you entered login or payment details after scanning a QR code:

Reporting

🔹 Forward suspicious emails to: report@phishing.gov.uk and suspicious texts to 7726.

🔹 Report fraud or cybercrime to Report Fraud: 🌐 UK's Home for Reporting Cyber Crime & Fraud - Report Fraud  📞 0300 123 2040

Remember

QR codes are simply another way of delivering a web link. Treat every unexpected QR code with the same caution you would apply to an unexpected email link.

STOP • THINK • VERIFY  Taking a few moments to independently verify, then double check, before scanning can prevent your personal information or money from falling into the hands of criminals. IF IN ANY DOUBT DON'T SCAN.