Local Police Community Support Officer Andy Jones is urging residents to stay alert when scanning QR codes, following a rise in “quishing” scams designed to steal personal information.
Quishing – a modern twist on phishing – involves criminals creating fake QR codes that, once scanned, direct victims to fraudulent websites. These sites can harvest sensitive data, including bank details and login credentials, often without the victim even realising.
PCSO Jones is encouraging the public to stop and check before scanning any QR code, especially those found in public places.
Common locations for these tampered codes include parking meters, public noticeboards, restaurant menus, and even fake delivery slips through your letterbox. Scammers often exploit the fact that people trust QR codes as quick, harmless tools.
PCSO Jones advises:
- Always check if the QR code looks like a sticker or appears tampered with
- Avoid scanning codes from unsolicited emails, leaflets, or random posters
- Check the URL you’re taken to – does it look suspicious or unofficial?
- If in doubt, don’t scan.
For more tips and advice on staying safe from quishing and other online scams, visit the official Action Fraud website: www.actionfraud.police.uk
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