Key steps now
- When in doubt, type the address yourself.
- Call the company on a number you trust.
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Links and QR codes
4 minute read
Link and QR code
safety guide
Fake links and QR codes lead to fake sites built to steal logins and payments.
A link or a QR code hides where it really goes. Check before you tap.
Before you tap a link
- Read the full address. Watch for odd spellings and extra words.
- Do not log in from a link in a text or email. Open the real site yourself.
- A surprise message about a package, a bank, or a prize is a common trap.
Before you scan a QR code
- Skip codes stuck over the original, on parking meters, or on random flyers.
- Check the address the code shows before you continue.
- Never enter a password or payment from a code you did not expect.
This is a quick screen, not absolute proof. When money or safety is on the line, verify in person.
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Frequently asked questions
Preview the full web address before tapping, watch for misspelled or odd domains, and avoid QR codes on unsolicited messages, flyers, or emails.
A QR code can hide a malicious website behind an image. Scammers place fake codes to steal logins or payments.
Confirm the source is trustworthy. If it asks you to log in or pay, go to the official website or app directly instead.
No. Type the address yourself or open the real site directly, and call the company on a number you trust. A surprise message about a package, a bank, or a prize is a common trap.