05/09/2026
QR Code Scam - St Lucie County Sheriff warns residents to be careful and not fall for this scam
SCAM ALERT – THAT QR CODE MIGHT NOT BE SAFE
The St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office has an important message for you:
QR codes are everywhere, from restaurants and parking meters to flyers, but scammers are now using them to steal your information. This tactic is known as “quishing,” or QR code phishing. 🚩
Criminals place fake QR code stickers over legitimate ones in public places. When you scan the code, you may be:
• Sent to a fake website that appears legitimate
• Asked to enter login or payment information
• Prompted to download malware onto your device
All it takes is one scan, and your personal or financial information could be compromised.
Know that it is a red flag if a QR code looks tampered with or out of place, if the link asks for sensitive information, or if you are prompted to download something unexpectedly.
Protect yourself:
• Inspect QR codes before scanning; look for stickers or signs of tampering
• Avoid scanning codes in high-risk or unsecured locations
• Preview the URL before opening it when possible
• Never enter personal or financial information on a site you do not trust
• When possible, go directly to the official website instead of using a QR code
Convenience should not come at the cost of your security, and remember, one quick scan can lead to serious consequences.
Share this message and help protect others from becoming victims.
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