QR code phishing—also known as “quishing”—is quickly becoming a top-tier social engineering technique, blending simplicity with devastating effectiveness. Attackers generate malicious QR codes that redirect users to phishing sites, credential stealers, or malware-laced downloads. These QR codes are often printed on posters, embedded in emails, or even placed over legitimate ones in public spaces like restaurants, train stations, or events. The trick? Most users inherently trust QR codes because they appear harmless—just a scannable shortcut. But unlike traditional phishing links, QR codes mask their destination entirely, giving attackers the perfect smokescreen. Worse still, many mobile camera apps or QR scanners don’t preview the full URL or validate SSL certificates before redirecting users. Once scanned, the victim could be prompted to log in to a fake Microsoft, Google, or banking portal—handing over sensitive credentials without second thought. Companies must train staff to verify QR sources, disable auto-redirection, and encourage browser-based scanning tools with preview features. Bug bounty hunters should now treat QR entry points as potential attack vectors, especially in apps with document scanners or payment gateways. In 2025, quishing isn’t just clever—it’s deadly effective.