If anyone is in immediate danger, being threatened, or unsafe, call 000 now. If money is missing, call your bank first, then report the scam to police or ReportCyber. For identity risk, consider IDCARE. For cyber advice, call 1300 CYBER1.
Free first check before you pay for help.Some tech callouts can cost around $199 or more for simple scam checks. Your IT & Tech Mates built these free tools to help you slow down, check safely, and only book hands-on help when you really need it.Use free checker
Before you scan
QR Code Scam Checker
QR codes can hide the real destination. Use this checker before scanning a code that asks you to pay, log in or enter details.
Built for Australians who need a calm first check before clicking, paying, replying, sharing a code or installing anything.
Privacy reminder: Do not enter passwords, one-time codes, card numbers, Medicare details, licence details or private documents. Tick the warning signs only.
Your IT & Tech Mates QR Code Scam Checker Australia hero image showing a user checking a suspicious QR code before scanning, logging in or paying, with local help and simple scam safety steps.Answers stay on this page
Triage first
What happened? Choose the safest starting point.
Use this as a first-check triage system. Start with the situation, then move to the safest next step before paying for help.
Safety rule: If money is missing, contact your bank first. If anyone is unsafe or threatened, call 000. Do not share passwords, one-time codes, card numbers or ID details in these tools.
User-tested safety flow
Designed for the moment people feel rushed or unsure.
This tool now gives a clearer path for three real situations: checking before acting, helping someone else, or recovering after money/details were shared.
Before acting
Do not pay, log in or install anything from a QR page until you know where the code really leads.
Safest first step
Use the official app or type the official website yourself. Check the destination address before entering payment or login details.
If something already happened
If you entered bank, myGov, Apple, Google or Microsoft details, change the affected password from a safe device and contact your bank if money is involved.
Free scam safety helper
Tick what applies.
The result gives a simple risk level, what to avoid, and the safest next action.
Before I actUse this page first, then verify through official details.
Already actedSelect Yes below so the result switches into urgent triage steps.
Helping someoneUse the no-shame share block and keep private details out of messages.
Share this safety check
Help someone check before they click, pay or share details.
Scams spread fast. Sharing this free checker with a parent, friend or work colleague may help them pause before they lose money or share personal information.
Know someone about to scan and pay? Share this checker first.
Before scanning a QR code for parking, payments, parcels or login pages, check it first. This free Australian QR Code Scam Checker may help: https://youritmates.com/services/tools/data-and-security/qr-code-scam-checker.html
I’m helping someone else
Use a gentle, no-blame approach. The goal is to slow things down and keep them safe.
Do not blame or shame them.
Ask them not to reply, pay, click or install anything yet.
Check the message, caller, payment or website together.
Save screenshots, numbers, links and receipts.
Get help if money, passwords, identity details or remote access were involved.
Your IT & Tech Mates
QR Code Scam Checker
Stop. Check. Stay Safe. A quick first-check guide for Australians.
Warning signs
QR code is on a sticker or public poster
It opens a shortened or strange URL
It asks for payment urgently
It asks you to log in
It redirects through unknown pages
Next safe steps
Do not pay or log in straight away
Check where the QR code came from
Look at the website address carefully
Use the official app or website instead
Get help if you entered banking or identity details
Free checker: https://youritmates.com/services/tools/data-and-security/qr-code-scam-checker.html Need local help? Call 0452 323 571.
Why QR codes need a pause step
A QR code is just a hidden link. The danger is not the square code itself, but where it sends you and what the page asks you to do next.
Be careful with QR stickers in public places, unexpected delivery or toll messages, and payment pages that ask for banking, identity or login details.
What to do if it feels urgent
Do not scan again if the code, sticker or page feels suspicious.
Use the official app or type the official website yourself.
Check the destination URL before entering payment or login details.
If you entered details, change the affected password from a safe device.
If you paid, call your bank first and save evidence.
