Knowledge Check and Certificate — QR Codes 101: What They Are and How to Use Them

Q: When you scan a QR code, what should you do BEFORE tapping the link?

Read the web address that appears and make sure it looks right. Always read the web address that appears before you tap it. If it looks strange, misspelled, or doesn't match what you'd expect, don't tap. This is the single best way to protect yourself from QR code scams.

Q: You see a QR code sticker on a parking meter. It looks like it might have been placed on top of another sticker. What should you do?

Don't scan it — a sticker over a sticker is a red flag for a scam. Scammers place fake QR code stickers over real ones, especially on parking meters and gas pumps. If a sticker looks like it was added on top of something else, skip it. Use the meter's built-in payment options, the city's parking app, or pay with coins instead.

Q: You're at a restaurant and there's a QR code on the table for the menu. You scan it but nothing happens. What's the FIRST thing to try?

Adjust the distance — move your phone closer or farther away. Most scanning problems are caused by being too close, too far, or the camera not focusing properly. The sweet spot is usually 6 to 12 inches away. Also give it a second or two — sometimes it takes a moment to register.

Before You Go...

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Knowledge Check

Let's make sure everything stuck!

Answer these questions to lock in what you've learned. Don't worry — if you get one wrong, I'll explain why and you can try again.

Question 1

When you scan a QR code, what should you do BEFORE tapping the link?

Question 2

You see a QR code sticker on a parking meter. It looks like it might have been placed on top of another sticker. What should you do?

Question 3

You're at a restaurant and there's a QR code on the table for the menu. You scan it but nothing happens. What's the FIRST thing to try?

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You're a QR Code Pro Now!

You should be proud of yourself!

You just learned what QR codes are, how to scan them on your phone, where you'll find them, how to stay safe, and what to do when things go wrong. That's a LOT of ground covered in 10 minutes.

Next time you see one of those little squares on a restaurant table or a flyer, you'll know exactly what to do.

Put Your New Skill to Use!

You just learned how to scan QR codes — so here's one more. Scan the code below with your phone to leave us a quick Google Review. It really helps!

QR Code - Leave a Google Review for SKTS

Or click here if you're on your phone already.

You're ready for the real world. Go scan something!

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