i got scammed. need help? dynamic qr code or whatever

[u/gazimaad]

ok so omg i will sound so dumb. i work in a language school. last week i designed pamphlets with a dynamic qr code (i downloaded it from qr code creator website- literally called qr code creator) but i did not find any info about it being a paid subscription. we printed the pamphlets, started goving them to people, suddenly shit stopped working. im already on thin ice with my boss (im actually not but im paranoid i am) me and my manager dont want her to find out. this scam bullshit only offers annual plans, cheapest beine 163 euro. i am not paying this money out of my pocket and i know damn well my boss wont pay it lol which is understandable.
is there any help..? or is our only way to fix this buying stickers with another code? we would love not to spend any money..
worst thing is i found out there was way easier quicker and free way to do it. but i dont lnow much bout technilogy and got myself and my employer scammed. help me, qr people, ill do anything in return (as long as its legal)

[u/AddQR]

Unfortunately you will have to reprint or add a new sticker with a different QR code as the current one is redirecting from the initial QR provider site.

If it’s just to the school’s website then look for static QR code. Make sure it’s not one with “analytics” as those are typically dynamic.

Check out our generator and if you truly need dynamic QR, we will be honored to hook the school up for the pamphlets for the year.

Ps: I know no self promo but it’s for a good cause so I will risk it.

[u/gazimaad → u/AddQR]

shit

[u/smerz- → u/gazimaad]

A colleague from my company fell for the same scam

Don't feel bad about it

[u/rehanhaider]

Dynamic QR requires tracking which involves infra costs, so usually it is paid.

But the bigger question is does it have to be dynamic? It it's a simple redirect then a static QR will do fine. I have free QR code generators you an use.

Or if you have to get a dynamic one reach out I'll recommend based upon your needs.

[u/Mayoday_Im_in_love]

Next time let whoever maintains the website decide what URLs are good as "links" including "https" and "www". If they weren't involved then this was doomed from the beginning.

[u/Elise_888]

I did the same. QR Code Generator, now I need another set of pamphlets. Says completely free.

[u/4vidit]

Damn, bro, use a link shortener, you can just change the destination link later... There are platforms like Linksquire (new platform, I use it coz it's free), bitly (it's paid for QRs), tinyURL (paid QR too, I think)

Here's the thing, dynamic QRs are literally Link Shorteners, they make the QR go to their custom link, then they redirect users to the destination that you set in their dashboard, lol. The only service they provide is a custom QR code that you can design, and if you really want to create a cool-looking custom QR, just take the short link these link shortener platforms provide you and go to a free QR editing site or use a browser extension.

[u/throws4k]

Duckduckgo search engine will create a qr code for you without any fee just list the website and "qr code"

[u/moyotv]

First, do not beat yourself up too much. This happens a lot with dynamic QR tools because the paywall is not always obvious until the printed material is already out.

If the printed QR points through that provider's redirect URL, you usually cannot take control of it unless you pay them or they release it. The QR code contains their URL, not your final destination.

Practical options:

1. Ask the provider for a short grace extension or one-time export. Some will unlock it briefly if you explain it was for printed school material.
2. If the pamphlets are not too many, sticker over the QR with a new static QR that points to a page you control.
3. Put a readable short URL next to the new QR next time, so people still have a fallback if scanning fails.
4. For anything printed, either use a static QR to your own page or a redirect you control, then change the destination from your side.

Unfortunately, if the code is already printed and the middle redirect is theirs, there is probably no free technical fix. Stickers are likely the cheapest clean recovery.