Scam Academy

Check a QR code before opening it

A QR code hides its destination until it is decoded. Treat it like a concealed link and inspect the destination first.

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Warning signs

A QR sticker has been placed over another code or sign.
The code appears in an unexpected invoice, parking notice or login message.
After scanning, the destination domain is unrelated to the organisation shown nearby.
The landing page immediately asks for payment, credentials or MFA approval.

What to do

Decode the QR without opening the destination automatically.
Compare the decoded host with the organisation’s known official domain.
If payment is involved, navigate independently to the official service.

Test yourself

A parking meter has a new QR sticker that opens pay-parking-now.example. What should you do?

Enter card details because the code is physically on the meter. Verify the operator and payment address independently before entering any data. Assume the phone camera has checked the site already.

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Put knowledge into action

Educational guidance is not a safety guarantee. Check current evidence before trusting an unknown message or address.

Check a suspicious item Recovery guidance