A QR code generator with logo is some of the most secure platforms in the market, with some generators having an ISO certification for industry-level protection.

However, hackers always find a workaround to compromise your data and use your identity for fraudulent activities.

Of course, QR code software addresses QR code scams by improving the security systems, but you, as the user, should also play your part.

This way, security comes in a two-way street, where the user and the QR code platforms can meet halfway for more extreme security measures.

Before scanning or generating a QR code, avoid fraud with these five tips and tricks.

How To Avoid QR Code Scams: 5 Tips And Tricks

Beware of shortened links in QR code previews

One of the quickest ways to determine the security of URL QR codes is through the HTTPS protocol—with ‘S’ meaning secure.

Shortened links are excellent because they allow brands to have customized domain URLs, making them more recognizable to loyal customers. However, this may also mean users can’t see if their website is secure.

Some URL link shorteners can disguise the HTTPS in the URL because it shortens the link in their platform. In reality, the shortened link redirects to an unsecured domain.

When scanning QR codes, the scanner usually shows a preview of the link, which prompts users to click the URL to redirect to the website.

Unless you really trust the QR code, be extra wary of clicking a shortened URL.

Look out for any sign of tampering with the QR code

As a rule of thumb, check for any sign of tampering on the material before scanning any QR code.

Tampering with QR codes is one of the most common strategies of hackers, especially in restaurants, transportation advertisements, and payment terminals.

For businesses using QR codes in printed resources, use a tamperproof material, making it difficult to tamper with and providing longer shelf life from wear and tear.

Hackers can be discouraged from tampering with the QR code. If they succeed in tampering with the QR code, users are likelier to distinguish the disparity because of wear and tear or because they’re tampered with forcefully.

Spot for inaccuracies in QR codes sent via email

Phishing emails have been around since the dawn of the internet, but they still prove to be very effective in compromising users’ data.

With the popularity of QR codes, hackers use the technology to appear more believable in emails and to make it easier to access their information unsuspectingly.

Having suspicions in every email you receive can go a long way—even if you received them from your friend or company.

When the email is compromised, hackers can use the email of your trusted contacts and compromise your data, too.

Always check for every detail, including colors, formatting, and especially the spelling of the email sender, subject, and heading.

And even when every detail is correct, it doesn’t hurt to double-check the URL preview in the QR code.

Unreasonable permissions on QR codes for app downloads

QR codes for mobile apps are becoming increasingly popular because they quickly direct users to the brand’s mobile app in the native app stores of the users’ smartphones: App Store for Apple and Google Play Store for Android.

While the intention of QR codes for app downloads is noble, some hackers use the mobile app to compromise user data.

Spotting a fake mobile from the get-go can be difficult because users may only know if they download the mobile app. However, determining fake mobile apps once downloaded becomes easy.

If a mobile app asks permission to use your microphone, even if the app is a photo editing tool, that’s a tell-tale sign that the QR code is a scam.

Before allowing permissions in mobile apps, assess if it’s something that the app needs. If not, uninstall the mobile app immediately.