QR Code Safety: When to Scan and When to Skip
QR codes are everywhere, from menus to parking meters. A sticker over a real code can send you to a scam site.
Step by step
- Look at the sticker. Is it placed over another code?
- Preview the link. Your camera shows the address before opening.
- Check the spelling. Odd letters or extra words are red flags.
- Never enter card numbers on a page you reached by code unless you trust it.
- Use the official app. For parking and payments.
What to expect
Expect most codes to be fine, with risk coming from stickers on top of real codes, codes in unexpected mail and links that demand payment or login.
Mistakes to avoid
Do not scan codes that ask for your login or payment details. Avoid scanning codes on unexpected parcels or flyers.
A good next step
Preview the link before tapping.
A prompt you can copy
Type this into ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini
List five quick checks before scanning a QR code on a parking meter or a flyer.
Good to know. If a code arrives in an email or text asking for payment, do not scan it.
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Reserve a free seatCommon questions
Are all QR codes unsafe?
No, but be careful with ones in public places or unexpected messages.
What if I scanned a bad one?
Close the page, do not enter information, and run a security scan.