Before I begin the newsletter, I want to make a brief announcement that’s pretty cool. The newsletter that we publish every Wednesday to our email list is now available every Wednesday (or maybe Thursday) on our website at tampa-bay.org.
You can visit the site, and right on the front page—just scan down a little bit—you’ll find every newsletter we’ve ever published. They’re all there, so you can easily refer back to them.
What Is a QR Code?
That’s a great question, and some people are actually afraid of them! A QR code is a “quick response code,” which is like a barcode that can store much more information than the standard barcodes you see on groceries.
How Do They Work?
It’s really simple. You can scan a QR code with your phone’s camera, and the code translates into information—usually a web link, contact details, or payment instructions. I know many service businesses that include QR codes on their bills. Customers can simply scan the code with their phone and—boom!—they’re taken directly to the company’s website to pay their bill. Very convenient.
QR codes are extremely popular because they’re fast, free, and easy to create. By the way, making your own QR codes is very simple. There are tons of places online where you can create your own barcode, usually for free.
Common Uses
You’ve likely seen QR codes at restaurants. Some put their updated menu or daily specials on them. I went to breakfast with my very favorite ex-wife a week or so ago, and they had a QR code you could scan to see the day’s specials. Very convenient and thoughtful.
They also have secure uses for mobile payments like PayPal or Venmo. I don’t know how to use Venmo, but I have the app on my phone. When someone wanted to send me money through Venmo, I opened the app and found my very own barcode that Venmo had created for me. The person who wanted to pay me scanned it and immediately sent the money.
Safety Concerns
However, criminals can sometimes place fake QR code stickers over legitimate ones, so you need to be very careful. I wouldn’t use a QR code in an unfamiliar location without checking first.
To make sure you’re using a legitimate QR code, look to see if there’s a sticker that you can peel back. If there’s another code underneath, stay away from it. Be cautious if a QR code looks like a sticker placed over another one, especially in a strange location.
How to Stay Safe
- Only use QR codes from trusted businesses because there are plenty of criminals out there looking to take your money.
- When in doubt, type it out. If you’re unsure about a QR code, skip the scan and manually type the website address to ensure you’re going to a legitimate site.
My Take
Personally, I find QR codes very convenient. We have a club member who won’t go near a QR code—she says it’s where “they” suck all your information out, like a Big Brother surveillance tool. I’m not sure I agree with that. I think it’s simply technology that’s available to us now, and we can take advantage of it. But like everything else, be careful and only use trusted sources.
Reminder: Visit our website to find all of these newsletters right on the front page. Have a wonderful week!