PanicStation.org
UK USA
uk Personal safety & immediate danger

What to do if…
a stranger is pressuring you to scan a QR code or click a link in public

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy UK guide

Short answer

Create distance first: step away into a safer, more public spot and do not scan or click anything while they are close to you. If they will not let you disengage, or you feel threatened, get help from staff, security, or the police.

Do not do these things

  • Do not scan the QR code or click the link just to get them to stop.
  • Do not unlock banking apps, enter passwords, type card details, or share verification codes while they are watching.
  • Do not hand them your phone so they can show you.
  • Do not follow them to a quieter place, a doorway, a car, or around a corner.
  • Do not stay in the conversation out of politeness; say no once and leave.
  • Do not argue or accuse them up close; focus on getting space.

What to do now

  1. Make space immediately. Take a few steps back and move to a staffed or busy place, such as a shop counter, café, station help point, reception desk, or ticket barrier.
  2. End the interaction with a short script and keep moving. Say, “No thanks,” “I can’t help,” or “Please step back.” Do not explain or debate.
  3. Lock your phone and secure your belongings. Put your phone away if you can do so safely. Hold your bag close and check pockets, zips, and card holders once you are a few metres away.
  4. Ask a third party to stay with you if they persist. Tell staff or security: “Someone is pressuring me to scan a code and won’t leave me alone.” Ask to stand near them while you decide how to leave.
  5. Contact police if you feel unsafe, blocked, followed, or threatened.
    • Call 999 if a crime is happening now, someone is in immediate danger, or the situation is escalating.
    • Call 101 or use a police online contact route if you are safe and want to report suspicious behaviour, harassment, or a non-emergency.
  6. If you already scanned or clicked, limit harm without panicking.
    • Close the page or app immediately.
    • Do not log in, approve a payment, install anything, or enter any code.
    • If you entered a password, card details, banking details, or a verification code, contact your bank or card provider straight away using the number on your card, the official banking app, or the bank’s official website.
    • Once safe, write down where it happened, the time, what was said, and what the person looked like.
  7. If they later text or email you as part of the same approach:
    • Forward suspicious texts to 7726; this is free for most UK mobile customers.
    • Forward suspicious emails to [email protected].
  8. Report the scam attempt if money, accounts, card details, or personal information may be involved.
    • If you live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, report fraud or cyber crime to Report Fraud.
    • If you live in Scotland, report fraud or cyber crime to Police Scotland by calling 101, or use Police Scotland’s official reporting routes if it is not urgent.

What can wait

  • You do not need to decide right now whether it was definitely a scam.
  • You do not need to confront them, film them, get their name, or prove what happened.
  • You do not need to make a formal report before you are safe, away from them, and able to think clearly.
  • You do not need to check every account at once unless you entered details, approved something, or installed something.

Important reassurance

This kind of approach can use closeness, urgency, and social pressure to make you act before you can think. Walking away without engaging is a normal, reasonable response. You do not owe a stranger access to your phone, your attention, or an explanation.

Scope note

These are first steps to get distance, reduce immediate risk, and limit digital or financial harm. Later decisions may need help from your bank, police, Report Fraud, Police Scotland, or another specialist service.

Important note

This is general safety information, not legal, financial, medical, therapeutic, or other professional advice. If you feel in danger, prioritise getting to a safer place and contacting emergency services.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

Support us