QR Code Scams Surge in Japan — SAYA University Warns: “Everyday awareness is the strongest defense.”

In recent years, QR code–based scams 

have been rapidly increasing across Japan.

As QR codes become more common in daily life—for payments, orders, and login verification—cybercriminals are taking advantage of their convenience in increasingly  sophisticated ways.

On October 21, 2025, a fake QR code sticker was found attached to a train advertisement on Tokyo’s Keio Line, directing users to an unrelated website.

The incident highlights the growing risk of fraud even in trusted spaces.

According to Japan’s National Consumer Affairs Center, recent cases include fake refund notices from online stores, altered payment codes, and fraudulent flyers claiming “rent payment method changes.”

Many of these scams involve unauthorized money transfers or the theft of personal and credit card information, with some victims unaware they have been compromised.

“QR code scams are among the most common cyber risks people face in everyday life.
We believe that beyond technical defenses, empowering people to understand and act correctly can reduce risks across society.
Having the right knowledge and awareness on a daily basis is the most effective way to stay protected.”
— Jonathan Hiroshi Rossi, Co-Founder, SAYA University

SAYA University’s learning library offers multiple anime-based micro-learning modules on the topic of QR code scams.

These short lessons, inspired by real-world incidents, explore both sides of an attack — from the perspective of companies providing services and of individual users.

Each video takes only a few minutes to complete and includes an interactive quiz to deepen understanding.

Learners can easily find topics of interest using the search function and study during short breaks throughout the day.

SAYA University delivers practical cybersecurity education not only for corporations and governments, but also for households and individuals.

Through short, everyday micro-learning sessions, the platform helps everyone build the knowledge they need to navigate the digital world safely — preparing for real threats such as QR code scams that can affect anyone.

About SAYA University

SAYA University is Japan’s largest Japanese-language cybersecurity awareness platform, offering one of the world’s most extensive libraries of micro-learning content.

Through short, anime-based lessons, SAYA integrates memorable cybersecurity learning into everyday life, empowering Japan’s workforce and families to stay safe online.

SAYA University

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SAYA Cybersecurity Awareness
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