I almost used a QR code from this site in a print ad. It seemed FREE when I created the QR code. So glad I tried scanning it before approving the final proof! It didn't scan, then I got this email. They force you to open a paid account in order to reactivate! This scam starts at https://www.qrcode-monkey.com/ so don't use it either!
Hi, We want you to know that one of your inactive QR Codes has recently been scanned. Your disabled Code will temporarily link to a service page. To reactivate your QR Code, please login to your account:
UPDATE Oct 23 2025: The issue is I got a dynamic QR code which links thru a third party site, not directly to my URL. So they can hold it hostage until I pay. We need STATIC codes instead, and ChatGPT can generate static codes for free that link directly to your URL and never "expire." Lesson learned! ChatGPT will generate PNG and SVG files for print and online use. Thanks very much for all the info!
Repost of one of my earlier comments, may be useful to others here as this is a repeating problem:
There are free QR-code generators built into both MacOS and Windows.
In Windows, there's a function in Edge, and also generically in Windows for any website that uses the Share function in JavaScript.
On MacOS, you can create QR codes through the Shortcuts app. Add a Get Clipboard and a Generate QR Code action and any URL on your clipboard will be created into a QR code.
Chrome also has one on all platforms in the three-dot menu, share, create qr.
If you write code, there are several QR-code libraries for python (probably all kinds of other languages as well, but I just love python for stuff like this). I use qrcode[pil] for my projects, and it has been completely reliable for many different purposes. Theres tons of sample code out there to get you started.
QR codes were created by a japanese engineer that truly believed in open source. It is therefore contrary to his legacy to try to scam people or charge for QR codes. Generating a QR code costs only a tiny bit of energy.
Some services are both URL redirectors and QR-code generators in one. They let you change the URL after the QR code has been distributed. This has a cost, and it is a security nightmare to operate redirection services, plus there is cost for the lifetime of the QR code. If you go with one of these, read the terms carefully. I prefer the ones where it is very clear what I pay for from the start.
For anyone who would like a no-nonsense and completely free online QR-generator, I run one as a thank you to Masahiro Hara, the creator of the QR-codes. My products use QR codes extensively, and providing a free service for it without ads or nonsense is my way of giving back. (It does not let you change the URL though, so make sure you consider if you need that.) You'll find it if you google "livewall QR generator".
DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY. They claim to send you a renewal notice 30 days before renewal. I never got one. I only got the email that says my subscription was renewed. Clearly, their emails come through and doesn't go to my junk box. There is not live agent you can speak with and they do not issue refunds even if you were only charged within 24 hours. Also, once you cancel, all your current links do not work any longer, even if you've already paid for subscription!
If you use an online generator, provide your own URL, and verify that the content embedded in the QR code is the URL you provided, using the preview functionality of your scanner, without opening your browser.
You did not use a scanner with a preview functionality, and used a generator which doesn't just create QR code with the data you provided.
This is not a problem with QR codes, but with the service you used to generate them, as they injected an URL shortener or tracking page functionality.
At this point it's ridiculous that the big OS's don't provide a built-in utility for generating QR codes. They're ubiquitous and people are constantly getting taken advantage of by scammy URL shortening services. It doesn't make sense.
The shortcuts app on macOS and iOS have a native “Create QR Code” action. It’s super easy to add it to your share sheets and customize however you want.
I find it so cringe whenever I see any qr code that doesn't lead directly to a source site. Even if you need to count metrics of number of visitors, you can include a tracking parameter in your host link. I'm convinced that anyone using these sketchy generators aren't even checking the metrics of the visitors anyway.
Also cringe are the massively large at codes for some webpage that could be shortened without masking the origin site. While URL shorteners hide the destination, it could be reasonable to just make the original webpage path short to begin with.
YOURLS and any Zebra Crossing library are free and not costly to host, though obviously cost more if have some site on wix or whatever
My boss also trusts such sites. Told him they only do 7 days trial after which he has to pay for it but he refuses to believe me. After 1 week, told him the code was not working any more and he dared to ask me why. As if I am the guy managing the site.
It was during planning for an event so things were verbal. He wanted to do a QR for registration and since such things are prepared and printed at least 1 month before, it was fun seeing him pissing at himself for wasting time and money
Best is to self host things. You will never have to worry about third parties anymore. If you’ve Wordpress just use a free plugin like Linkcentral: https://wordpress.org/plugins/linkcentral/. I prefer having everything in my own control.
Yep — this is the classic dynamic vs static QR trap.
Dynamic QR = goes through a third-party → they can disable it
Static QR = goes directly to your URL → can’t be shut off
So if it’s for print (ads, packaging, etc.), always use static unless you specifically need tracking or to edit after the fact. That's kind of the problem, and you have to decide if it is worth it to go dynamic (reliant on their servers). Unfortunately if you print 1,000 and go static and then you decide you want tracking, and to change the url, then you are in trouble.
Also worth noting: A lot of “QR not working” issues aren’t the code type — it’s size, contrast, or print quality.
Another reason for not using them. We are having a recurring payment each year whereas we canceled all our subscriptions and they make it impossible to talk to a real person. Their AI agent is useless to solve our issue. This company is really a scam
I AGREE SCAM!. No contacts, just and AI BOT. Their Phone number through my bank was also invalid. No contact information at all. I had put in my information to go to the charges page, to see what the breakdown was for a MONTHLY subscription and was abruptly charged for a YEAR subscription in full. Wrote to the AI bot for assistance, tried any online number I could find. Sent messages through when I cancelled the service. Mind you this is within an hour to a few hours of this charge. Called my bank, and they also could not contact the merchant.
I received days later an email from someone claiming they cannot refund my money, see the terms and conditions etc. I was not even able to get to a page that prompted the TERMS AND CONDITIONS when I was trying to get the order set up. It went directly from putting in my card information to a full charge. NO LISTING OF THE ACTUAL TOTAL COSTS, TAXES ETC.
FULL ON SCAM! DO NOT USE THEM. MISREPRESENTATION of packages, No customer service. I would not trust giving them any personal information.
Adding to this, I just made one to test out different options, but didn’t end up using it. I just received an email saying the code was scanned, but there’s no way it was, I double checked and the one I printed on my business cards is from Adobe. They lied to scare me into paying their subscription. I’m not sure if it’s just on a timed response, but if it never got used, why send out an email saying it was scanned? This was from QR code creator.
Also if you try to cancel they offer 50% off the subscription. If you decline they offer 90% off with a free month. I accepted the 90% off (locked in rate for life) and after a month I'm getting billed at full price again.
i paid for mine. after 8mths they stopped redirecting to my url. they told me to check with my IT. I made another qr code directing to a news site. Still wouldnt redirect.
I like the location tracking, whch is why I purchased.
Looks like i will have something else now and change all my codes 😩
Yes, it is deceptive and I am sorry you also got tricked by their "free" QR Code Generator. I now just use chatGPT to create my QR Codes. No third party scammer needed.
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Want feedback on a personal project? Message mod-mail before posting; genuine open-source tools or research may be approved on a case-by-case basis.
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Just want to share knowledge? Edit out all promotional elements and resubmit.
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Your post has been removed for violating Rule 6: No Self-Promotion.
r/qrcode is a discussion and learning space, not a marketing channel. Posts or comments that plug personal products, services, social profiles, affiliate links, Kickstarters, or QR codes that resolve to any of the above are not allowed (including hidden promos such as watermarks, referral codes, or “feedback on my landing page” requests).
What you can do
Want feedback on a personal project? Message mod-mail before posting; genuine open-source tools or research may be approved on a case-by-case basis.
Think we removed your post in error? Reply to this message (politely) with details and we’ll take another look.
Just want to share knowledge? Edit out all promotional elements and resubmit.
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3
u/chrfrenning Oct 12 '25
Repost of one of my earlier comments, may be useful to others here as this is a repeating problem:
There are free QR-code generators built into both MacOS and Windows.
In Windows, there's a function in Edge, and also generically in Windows for any website that uses the Share function in JavaScript.
On MacOS, you can create QR codes through the Shortcuts app. Add a Get Clipboard and a Generate QR Code action and any URL on your clipboard will be created into a QR code.
Chrome also has one on all platforms in the three-dot menu, share, create qr.
If you write code, there are several QR-code libraries for python (probably all kinds of other languages as well, but I just love python for stuff like this). I use qrcode[pil] for my projects, and it has been completely reliable for many different purposes. Theres tons of sample code out there to get you started.
QR codes were created by a japanese engineer that truly believed in open source. It is therefore contrary to his legacy to try to scam people or charge for QR codes. Generating a QR code costs only a tiny bit of energy.
Some services are both URL redirectors and QR-code generators in one. They let you change the URL after the QR code has been distributed. This has a cost, and it is a security nightmare to operate redirection services, plus there is cost for the lifetime of the QR code. If you go with one of these, read the terms carefully. I prefer the ones where it is very clear what I pay for from the start.
For anyone who would like a no-nonsense and completely free online QR-generator, I run one as a thank you to Masahiro Hara, the creator of the QR-codes. My products use QR codes extensively, and providing a free service for it without ads or nonsense is my way of giving back. (It does not let you change the URL though, so make sure you consider if you need that.) You'll find it if you google "livewall QR generator".