QR Code Scams in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Latest quishing news, scam reports, and protection tips for Minneapolis residents (population 425,000)
Minneapolis's Fortune 500 corporate headquarters, university campuses, and active downtown dining scene all use QR codes extensively — attracting QR code scammers targeting both employees and consumers.
Below you'll find the latest news about QR code scams and quishing attacks affecting Minneapolis. Stay informed and scan any QR code with susQR before you click — it's free.
🚨 Notable QR Code Scam Incidents in Minneapolis
These are documented QR code scam incidents that have affected Minneapolis and the surrounding Minnesota area:
Fake Hennepin County District Court Texts With QR Codes and Next-Day 'Hearings'
March 2026On March 18, 2026 Minnesota courts warned of texts impersonating Hennepin County District Court, complete with a fabricated judge's name, that claim unpaid parking or toll violations and demand payment through a QR code or an appearance at a hearing as soon as the next day. Neither the Minnesota Judicial Branch nor law enforcement will ever text or call to demand money for a fine. Verify a case on Minnesota Court Records Online or by calling 612-348-6000.
Source: fox9.com
Fortune 500 Corporate Quishing Targeting Twin Cities
2024Several Fortune 500 companies headquartered in Minneapolis, including those in the healthcare, retail, and financial sectors, reported coordinated quishing campaigns. Phishing emails with QR codes impersonated IT security teams requesting 'mandatory password resets' and 'VPN recertification.' The FBI's Minneapolis field office issued a business advisory.
University of Minnesota Campus QR Scam
2023University of Minnesota students reported fake QR codes on campus kiosks and bulletin boards advertising 'student loan assistance' and 'campus job opportunities.' The codes directed to phishing pages designed to collect personal and financial information. The university's OIT Security team removed the fraudulent codes and warned students.
North Loop Restaurant QR Fraud
2025Restaurants in Minneapolis's trendy North Loop neighborhood found fake QR codes placed over their digital menus during the summer patio dining season. The scam was discovered when multiple customers reported being charged on a payment site that never connected to the restaurant's system.
🇺🇸 Latest Nationwide QR Scam Alerts
Federal warnings and research that apply to Minneapolis as much as anywhere else:
FTCSee a QR code parked somewhere? Don't scan it... yet
September 3, 2026The FTC warned that scammers are covering legitimate QR codes on parking meters with their own stickers that lead to fake payment sites. Preview the URL before opening it, pay through the official parking app instead, and report fakes at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Source: consumer.ftc.gov
ESETMalicious QR codes in 11% of all phishing email, H1 2026
August 2026ESET's H1 2026 Threat Report found malicious QR codes embedded in at least 11 percent of all phishing email in the first half of 2026, with attackers using QR shorteners, MFA-token harvesting, and pre-filled payment forms.
Source: welivesecurity.com
FTCThat text about a traffic violation is probably a scam
April 2026A second FTC alert on the nationwide wave of fake traffic-ticket, toll, and court-fine texts that carry a QR code instead of a link. No court or DMV sends payment demands by text; confirm any citation using contact details you look up yourself.
Source: consumer.ftc.gov
- If your employer sends a QR code for 'password reset' or 'VPN update,' verify with IT directly — don't scan it.
- U of M students: access student services only through myu.umn.edu — never from a QR code on a campus flyer.
- Report QR scams to Minneapolis PD online or the MN Attorney General at (651) 296-3353.
📰 Latest QR Code Scam News — Minneapolis
Loading the latest Minneapolis headlines…
📡 No recent QR scam news specific to Minneapolis
That's good news — but it doesn't mean Minneapolis residents aren't at risk. QR code scams are happening nationwide, and quishing attacks rose 146% in Q1 2026 alone. Stay vigilant and scan before you click.
🎯 Common QR Code Scams in Minneapolis
These are the QR code scams most frequently reported in Minneapolis and similar cities across Minnesota:
🅿️ Parking Meter Scams
Fake QR stickers on parking meters redirect to scam payment pages. Always use the official parking app instead of scanning meter QR codes.
🍽️ Restaurant Menu Swaps
Scammers place fake QR codes over real menu codes at restaurants in Minneapolis. Check for sticker overlays before scanning.
📧 Corporate Email Quishing
Employees in Minneapolis receive fake emails with QR codes pretending to be from Microsoft, Google, or IT departments.
📦 Package Delivery Scams
Fake "missed delivery" notices with QR codes mimicking USPS, FedEx, or Amazon target Minneapolis residents.
⚡ EV Charging Scams
Fake QR codes on EV charging stations redirect to scam payment pages. Use the official charging network app.
📶 Fake Wi-Fi Scams
QR codes in Minneapolis cafés, hotels, and public spaces may connect you to attacker-controlled Wi-Fi networks.
For detailed breakdowns of each scam type, see our complete QR code scams guide with 10 real-world examples.
🛡️ How to Stay Safe from QR Code Scams in Minneapolis
✅ Quick Safety Checklist for Minneapolis Residents
- Scan with susQR first — susQR.com checks any QR code URL against 90+ security vendors for free before you visit it.
- Look before you scan — Check if the QR code is a sticker placed over another code, especially at parking meters and restaurants.
- Use official apps — For parking, EV charging, and payments, use apps downloaded directly from your app store.
- Don't scan QR codes from emails — Legitimate companies send clickable links, not QR codes. A QR code in an email is almost always a scam.
- Verify the URL — After scanning, check that the domain matches the company you expect (e.g., parkmobile.io, not park-m0bile.com).
- Report suspicious QR codes — Notify the business, Minneapolis police, and the FBI's IC3.
🔒 Found a Suspicious QR Code in Minneapolis?
Don't risk it — scan it with susQR first. Free, instant, no account required.
🚀 Scan a QR Code Now 📚 What Is Quishing?❓ QR Code Scam FAQ — Minneapolis
Are QR code scams common in Minneapolis?
QR code scams are increasing across all major U.S. cities, including Minneapolis. With quishing up 146% in Q1 2026 nationally and the FTC issuing a fresh parking-meter QR alert in September 2026, Minneapolis's 425,000 residents are among the millions at risk. The most common local scams involve parking meters, restaurant menus, and corporate phishing emails.
Where should I report a QR code scam in Minneapolis?
Report QR code scams to the FBI's IC3, the FTC, and your local Minneapolis police department's non-emergency line. Also notify the business where the fake QR code was placed so they can remove it.
Is there a free tool to check QR codes in Minneapolis?
Yes — susQR.com is a free QR code security scanner that works from any device. It checks URLs against 90+ security vendors, follows redirect chains, and gives you a risk score before you visit the destination. No account needed.
Can I get a virus from scanning a QR code?
Scanning a QR code by itself won't infect your device, but visiting the URL it contains can be dangerous. Some QR code scams lead to sites that attempt malware downloads or trick you into installing malicious apps. Always preview URLs before opening them.
📍 QR Code Scam Reports — Other Cities
See QR code scam news and protection guides for other cities: