FRAUD FRIDAY: QR code scams

September 5, 2025

The Thunder Bay Police Service is continuing to advise the public of common scams that may affect local residents.


With the increasing prevalence of QR codes, these are also being used as a tool by scammers to conduct fraud schemes.


QR codes may be sent with email messages purporting to be from a service provider, government agency, or financial institution. These codes will provide a link to a fraudulent website that may result a device or network being infected with a virus, where users are asked to provide personal or financial details that can lead to identity theft.


Other scams may involve online purchases, where users are asked to scan a code to make or receive payment and then are directed to a fraudulent website asking for their account information.


Another scam involves fraudsters applying a fraudulent QR code sticker on top of a legitimate code.


Police urge residents to beware of any unsolicited text, email, or social media messages asking users to scan a QR code. If the QR code link doesn't match the name of the business, it may be fraud. As well, never scan a QR code to receive payment.


If you are concerned about potential scams and want to learn more, please visit https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/safety/fraud-prevention or contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/)


To make a fraud/cyber crime online report to the Thunder Bay Police Service, please visit: https://www.services.tryrubicon.com/thunder-bay-police-service/online-reports/report/fraud-cybercrime

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