How Do I Know if a QR Code Is Safe?

The QR (Quick Response) code was invented in 1994, and first used by Masahiro Hara as an easier way to track vehicles on a manufacturing production line. Since their introduction, QR codes have become commonplace and are used as an easy way to access restaurant menus, parking meters, and more. But how do you know the QR code you are scanning is safe? Here’s a quick guide that walks you through QR codes, how they work, and how to stay safe.

How Do I Know if a QR Code Is Safe?

While QR codes can certainly be helpful in many instances, unfortunately, a QR code can also be used to redirect the user straight into malware territory – downloading viruses or spyware and download malware to your device.

Not All QR codes are Safe

The worst mistake any internet user could make is assuming that a link or QR code is safe. Never assume that anything you could scan or click on is the way it appears. That is practically the first rule of the internet. Fortunately, there are ways to unmask and check the content before scanning a QR code.

Don’t Just Scan it!

Never accept QR codes at face value. The same goes for links, and you wouldn’t click on anything someone dropped in your inbox these days – so why would the same apply to a QR code in public?

Hackers can tamper with a QR code, and good intentions may since been manipulated as part of a QR code scam. Anywhere QR codes look edited, compromised, or changed, think twice about scanning them.

Most importantly, don’t just scan any code. Scanning a malicious QR code is an easy way for personal data and other sensitive information to be stolen.

View the URL First

QR codes are an easy way to redirect the user to an app or website. However, just because a QR code seems to be legitimate, it doesn’t mean that it necessarily is. Peek behind the URL to make sure the content goes to the promised website. Sometimes, this takes a URL-unmasking app that unpacks what’s really behind short (or long) code. Be wary of shortened URLs, as they can disguise the destination.

Preview the QR code

Most QR code readers have a preview mode that will allow users to view the content behind the QR code without directly accessing it. If your camera or app that scans QR codes doesn’t do this, it’s time for a switch – and it’s worth it in the name of internet safety.

A preview could quickly tell you whether a site is legitimate, or whether the QR code is going to take you to a dangerous website. This method isn’t foolproof, but it can help you to spot most fake QR codes at a distance.

Previewing the code lets you see behind it all, but without compromising your system.

Visit the Main Website

Some QR codes will indicate the main website or company that’s in charge of the QR code. Start there if you’re still unsure about the code’s authenticity after a full preview and link-check.

Companies welcome feedback, and if you can’t tell whether a QR code belongs to any company or brand, you can ask. If you come across a QR code that appears suspicious or leads to a fraudulent site, report it to the host of the QR code.

If the company doesn’t give the all-clear for the QR code, they might appreciate someone telling them about the fake one, too!

Look it up Online

A quick online search for “Is x QR code legitimate?” is often a great way to discover whether a QR code is legitimate, or if it has been copied from a third-party source that you might not trust. Sometimes other users will post QR codes that they’ve found suspicious or false. In other cases, a trusted source will confirm that it is a legitimate QR code.

Check for Present Malware

Modern antivirus software is learning to embrace QR codes. Some will allow you to check a code against any potential viruses, malware, or past reports about its safety. If you aren’t protected by antivirus software, you shouldn’t be on the internet.

Payment Scams

QR codes can be used for quick and easy mobile payments. However, scammers replace legitimate payment QR codes with their own, redirecting funds to their accounts. Personal information and phone numbers can be affected with a single scan.

Verify the source of the QR code, especially in retail or payment transactions.

Additional Reading: Scammers hide harmful links in QR codes to steal your information

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