QR Code Scams in Salt Lake City, Utah
Latest quishing news, scam reports, and protection tips for Salt Lake City residents (population 200,000)
Salt Lake City's booming tech industry (the 'Silicon Slopes') and outdoor recreation culture are driving QR code adoption — and with it, an increase in QR code scams targeting residents, tech workers, and ski resort visitors.
Below you'll find the latest news about QR code scams and quishing attacks affecting Salt Lake City. Stay informed and scan any QR code with susQR before you click — it's free.
🚨 Notable QR Code Scam Incidents in Salt Lake City
These are documented QR code scam incidents that have affected Salt Lake City and the surrounding Utah area:
Silicon Slopes Corporate Quishing Campaign
2024Tech companies along Utah's Silicon Slopes corridor reported a wave of quishing emails targeting employees. The QR codes impersonated corporate SSO portals and IT help desk ticket systems. The Utah Cyber Center issued warnings to the business community.
Ski Resort Parking QR Scam
2023Fake QR code stickers appeared on parking payment signs at ski resorts near Salt Lake City, including in Little Cottonwood and Big Cottonwood Canyon. Skiers were directed to phishing payment pages. Resort operators and the Utah Division of Consumer Protection issued warnings ahead of the winter season.
UTA Transit Fare QR Fraud
2025The Utah Transit Authority (UTA) warned riders about fake QR codes on TRAX light rail platforms and bus stops in the Salt Lake metro area. The codes offered 'discounted monthly passes' but led to phishing sites. UTA reminded riders to purchase passes through the official UTA GoRide app.
- Purchase UTA transit passes only through the UTA GoRide app — never from a QR code at stops.
- Pay for ski resort parking at official kiosks or online — ignore QR stickers in parking lots.
- Report QR scams to the Utah Division of Consumer Protection at (801) 530-6601.
📰 Latest QR Code Scam News — SLC
Utah police warn of scam texts showing traffic violation - ABC4 Utah
Utah police warn of scam texts showing traffic violation ABC4 Utah
Fireball streaks across Utah sky, surprises early morning drivers - kjzz.com
Fireball streaks across Utah sky, surprises early morning drivers kjzz.com
Herriman city officials warn of phishing email scam sent to residents, business owners - kjzz.com
Herriman city officials warn of phishing email scam sent to residents, business owners kjzz.com
Utah Rep. Trevor Lee beaten at Davis GOP convention but keeps reelection bid alive - KUTV
Utah Rep. Trevor Lee beaten at Davis GOP convention but keeps reelection bid alive KUTV
Scammers text QR codes to steal information in recent traffic violation trend - KUTV
Scammers text QR codes to steal information in recent traffic violation trend KUTV
Jen Shah Reveals the Reason She Pleaded Guilty to Fraud: 'I Truly Believed I Was Innocent' (Exclusive) - AOL.com
Jen Shah Reveals the Reason She Pleaded Guilty to Fraud: 'I Truly Believed I Was Innocent' (Exclusive) AOL.com
Department of Public Safety warns of traffic violation scam texted to many Utahns - kjzz.com
Department of Public Safety warns of traffic violation scam texted to many Utahns kjzz.com
New scam spreads 'far and wide' to target Utahns - KSL News
New scam spreads 'far and wide' to target Utahns KSL News
Department of Public Safety warns of traffic violation scam texted to many Utahns - KUTV
Department of Public Safety warns of traffic violation scam texted to many Utahns KUTV
Alleged gang members indicted on weapons charges in connection to funeral shooting - kjzz.com
Alleged gang members indicted on weapons charges in connection to funeral shooting kjzz.com
Woman arrested at Salt Lake airport is deported after spending months in detention - kjzz.com
Woman arrested at Salt Lake airport is deported after spending months in detention kjzz.com
Salt Lake airport open after short closure; smaller aircraft remain grounded due to wind - KMYU
Salt Lake airport open after short closure; smaller aircraft remain grounded due to wind KMYU
Scammers Are Sending Fake Invites With Malware - Lifehacker
Scammers Are Sending Fake Invites With Malware Lifehacker
Utah woman sentenced to 15 months in $1.4M embezzlement scheme - kjzz.com
Utah woman sentenced to 15 months in $1.4M embezzlement scheme kjzz.com
We tested 4 popular scam detection apps. Here’s what actually worked - KSL TV 5
We tested 4 popular scam detection apps. Here’s what actually worked KSL TV 5
🎯 Common QR Code Scams in Salt Lake City
These are the QR code scams most frequently reported in Salt Lake City and similar cities across Utah:
🅿️ 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 Salt Lake City. Check for sticker overlays before scanning.
📧 Corporate Email Quishing
Employees in Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City
✅ Quick Safety Checklist for SLC Residents
- Scan with susQR first — susQR.com checks any QR code URL against 70+ threat databases 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, Salt Lake City police, and the FBI's IC3.
🔒 Found a Suspicious QR Code in Salt Lake City?
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 — Salt Lake City
Are QR code scams common in Salt Lake City?
QR code scams are increasing across all major U.S. cities, including Salt Lake City. With quishing attacks up 587% nationally, Salt Lake City's 200,000 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 Salt Lake City?
Report QR code scams to the FBI's IC3, the FTC, and your local Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City?
Yes — susQR.com is a free QR code security scanner that works from any device. It checks URLs against 70+ antivirus engines, 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: