UAE: Police warn of fake QR codes in public areas

Abu Dhabi Police issued a public alert on Wednesday after identifying fake QR code stickers placed across a range of public locations, warning that the tags are being used to carry out cyber-fraud schemes targeting personal and banking data.

According to the police, scammers have been attaching counterfeit QR codes designed to resemble legitimate payment labels on devices such as parking meters, point-of-sale units, car dashboards and other surfaces frequently used by residents. When scanned, the codes lead to fraudulent websites where users are asked to submit card information or personal details, creating a risk of financial theft and data compromise.

Officials urged residents to limit payments to authorised applications and government-approved platforms, noting that any QR code without a clear official source should be avoided. The warning advised people not to scan unfamiliar codes and to verify that any displayed label is part of an approved sign or panel before using it.