Ask HN: Do you scan random QR codes?

by night-rider on 6/15/2022, 1:13 AM with 7 comments

I’m always scared to scan random QR codes, especially with a phone. You can see where you’re going with hyperlinks, but not with QR codes. If I’m paranoid I pass QR codes into a special program where I can inspect its contents (on a desktop PC), but using them with phones is a misfeature and phones need to show interstitials before spawning a browser tab that could potentially be a malware payload or something else malicious. Do you scan random QR codes with your phone, or do you trust your phone to be secure enough to handle them?

  • by WorldPeas on 6/15/2022, 1:24 AM

    I just use firefox. It tells me the url first. That and ublock origin on mobile keep me from anything seriously bad, at least I think

  • by theamk on 6/15/2022, 1:22 AM

    I use a separate QR scanner which shows me contents and a prompt to copy/open.

    Unfortunately this does not really help, most of the time it is some type of link shortener, and just inspecting URL tells you nothing.

  • by synicalx on 6/15/2022, 2:48 AM

    I stopped after people started putting up fake "COVIDSafe" check-in QR codes that linked to... suspicious sites.

    It wasn't widespread enough to be a major problem, but common enough to make it not worth my while - especially since every venue that required check-ins also had to offer paper check-in as an option. I know two people in my social circle that ended up with various kinds of adware on their phone and in their iCal after scanning a fake check-in code.

  • by kimchidude on 6/15/2022, 4:23 AM

    I do from time to time if it's obvious it is not going to link to something embarrassing or malicious. For example, once in a while I get handed a business card or pamphlet for a person/service I've heard about and want to know more about. I will also occasionally scan QRs that appearing in streams with streamers I am familiar with. I guess it's mostly a question of my familiarity and trust level in the person posting it.

  • by tempestn on 6/15/2022, 1:34 AM

    My Samsung galaxy's camera app will prompt you with the URL before opening a browser.

  • by Komodai on 6/15/2022, 2:48 PM

    Google Lens shows me the URL, so yes I scan QR codes for fun.