Make an automatic link for your home or business Wi-Fi

This article was written for Western Sydney Publishing and published in August 2025. QR codes (Quick Response) were developed in 1994 to track car parts. Their use expanded with the advent of smartphones, becoming mainstream in Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic for contact tracing purposes.

A QR code is a square grid of black and white squares. When scanned with a smartphone or tablet, it can instantly link you to a website, payment portal, contact card, or app. QR codes can include website URLs, Phone numbers, or up to 4000 characters of text. They may also be used for linking to Wi-Fi accounts that contain connection information.

QR code use is largely unregulated in Australia. Criminals are using them to trick consumers in the following ways.

• Phishing: Scanning a fake QR code can direct you to a fraudulent website that appears to be genuine, where you may be prompted to enter sensitive personal or financial information.
• Payment Redirection: Scammers may cover legitimate QR codes with fake ones. When scanned, these redirect payments you make to the scammer’s bank account.
• Malware Delivery: Some QR codes link to a website that automatically initiates a malicious software download, potentially infecting your device without your knowledge.
• Impersonation: QR codes in emails or posters that appear to come from trusted brands, leading you to a fake site that asks for your login or account details.

The actual danger of QR codes is not the scanning itself, but when you enter your information. Some recent Australian examples include NAB warning its customers about scammers using fake QR codes in emails and on social media that redirect users to spoofed bank sites. When popular concerts sell out, QR codes on social media promising available tickets often lead to fake ticketing sites circulating online. QR codes on donation boxes have been replaced with alternative QR stickers that reroute funds to scam accounts.

QR codes are also appearing on telegraph poles and walls, appealing to people’s curiosity. They usually follow the lines of “Peter, You Cheater. Scan the QR code for photos”.  It works; otherwise, they wouldn’t be there.

Stay safe: Only scan QR codes from trusted sources. Check for signs of tampering or stickers. Avoid scanning codes from unknown emails or in public places. Never enter personal or financial information after scanning. If you are unsure, you can access the site directly or place an order in person.