QR Code Safety Check

Upload any QR code image to instantly reveal the hidden URL — then scan it against 90+ security engines before you ever visit it.

Check a QR Code Now — Free
Reveals hidden URL90+ security enginesNo app install needed

The QRishing Threat You Need to Know About

QR codes are blind links

Unlike a typed URL, a QR code hides its destination completely. Your phone's camera app rarely shows you the full URL before visiting — attackers exploit this blind spot.

Attacks are surging

QRishing attacks increased by over 500% in 2023–2024 according to security researchers. Criminals target parking meters, restaurant menus, package delivery notifications, and public posters.

Bypasses email filters

QR codes embedded in PDF attachments bypass corporate email URL-scanning filters — because those filters read links, not decode images. This makes QRishing especially effective against businesses.

How to Check a QR Code — 3 Steps

1

Take a screenshot of the QR code

Screenshot the QR code from your screen, save the image from an email or document, or photograph a physical QR code with your camera.

2

Upload it to our QR Code Checker

Drop the QR image into SafeSearchScan's tool. We decode the hidden URL entirely in your browser — we never make you visit the destination.

3

Read the verdict before scanning

We reveal the full decoded URL and show a clear Safe / Suspicious / Dangerous result from 90+ security vendors. If it's flagged — don't scan it on your phone.

6 Real-World QR Code Scams to Watch For

These attacks are active right now in the wild.

Parking meter fraud

Criminals stick fake QR stickers over legitimate parking payment QR codes. You think you're paying for parking — you're handing your card details to a scammer.

Restaurant menu phishing

Fake QR menus (especially near tourist areas) redirect diners to credential-harvesting pages that look like the restaurant's ordering system.

Package delivery scams

Emails or texts claiming a parcel needs customs clearance include a QR code that leads to a fake delivery payment page.

Public poster replacement

Attackers overlay legitimate event or advertisement QR codes with their own sticker containing a malicious URL.

Email & document QR codes

Malicious QR codes embedded in PDFs, invoices, and emails bypass traditional URL-scanning email filters that don't analyse images.

Wi-Fi network hijacking

QR codes that appear to set up Wi-Fi access can point to rogue hotspots that intercept your traffic.

Safe QR Code Habits

Always check the URL preview

Most phone QR readers show a URL preview before opening it. Read the domain carefully — especially the part just before .com/.net.

Be suspicious of stickers

A QR sticker placed over a printed QR code is a common tampering sign. Look for peeling edges or misalignment.

Use our checker for sensitive QR codes

For QR codes in emails, on invoices, in banking communications, or at payment terminals — always verify with our tool first.

Never scan a QR code asking for payment urgently

Legitimate payment systems don't use QR codes with 5-minute countdowns or threatening language.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check if a QR code is safe?

Upload the QR code image to SafeSearchScan's QR Code Checker. Our tool decodes the hidden URL directly in your browser — without visiting it — then scans that URL against 90+ security engines including Google Safe Browsing, Kaspersky, and Bitdefender. You get a Safe / Suspicious / Dangerous verdict in seconds.

Can QR codes contain viruses or malware?

QR codes themselves cannot contain viruses, but they can link to malicious websites that download malware, steal login credentials, or trigger drive-by exploits. This attack technique is called "QRishing" (QR phishing). Attackers place fake QR codes on posters, emails, and parking meters to redirect victims to phishing sites.

What is QRishing (QR phishing)?

QRishing is a cyberattack where criminals replace or overlay legitimate QR codes with malicious ones. Common targets include restaurant menus, parking payment machines, package delivery notifications, and public posters. Since most QR readers don't show you the full URL before visiting it, victims are often redirected to phishing pages without realising it.

Is the QR code checker free to use?

Yes. You can use the QR Code Checker 3 times without creating an account. A free account gives you additional scans each month. Paid plans offer unlimited QR checks along with all other security tools.

What if the QR code links to a shortened URL?

Our scanner automatically expands shortened URLs (bit.ly, tinyurl.com, etc.) before checking them. Attackers frequently use URL shorteners to hide malicious destinations inside QR codes. We check the final destination URL, not just the shortener.

Check that QR code right now

Reveals the hidden URL · 90+ security engines · Free to start

Check QR Code — Free

Related security tools