QR Codes and On-line Accounts

[ltcdfancher]

My wife and I close on our new home in The Villages in less than 48-hours. We plan to have some calling cards made to share our details with new-found friends. Being ever-so-slightly geekish, I am considering a QR Code along with the traditional numbers and letters.

I went to one of those Generate Your Free QR Code Here websites. Wham-Bam. In less than five minutes, I had my VCard embedded (I thought) in a QR Code. A few days later and after I had some cards printed, the email came through saying that my free-trial had expired; my QR Code was now inactive.

Some more research revealed that QR Codes can encode simple text. A VCard is just a bunch of text strings in a particular format. I found the correct format. Entered my info into the correct places in the format. Then I copied that information into a different QR Code generator as plain text. Screenshot the result and everything seems to work.

What hurdles might I find as I distribute my contact information this way?

[JohnN]

I get dizzy thinking about it, but I am admittedly a dinosaur.
I just give "new friends" my name, address, phone and email, and let them figure it out.

[Normal]

My wife and I close on our new home in The Villages in less than 48-hours. We plan to have some calling cards made to share our details with new-found friends. Being ever-so-slightly geekish, I am considering a QR Code along with the traditional numbers and letters.

I went to one of those Generate Your Free QR Code Here websites. Wham-Bam. In less than five minutes, I had my VCard embedded (I thought) in a QR Code. A few days later and after I had some cards printed, the email came through saying that my free-trial had expired; my QR Code was now inactive.

Some more research revealed that QR Codes can encode simple text. A VCard is just a bunch of text strings in a particular format. I found the correct format. Entered my info into the correct places in the format. Then I copied that information into a different QR Code generator as plain text. Screenshot the result and everything seems to work.

What hurdles might I find as I distribute my contact information this way?

You may find some squeamish to scan QR codes because of the scams going around. Not that long ago there was the guy who made his own that directed scans to his fictitious website for paying for parking. The wise guy made a site and codes , then pasted them over parking meter scans codes in Texas. When someone scanned they paid him for parking and exposed their credit card info for future use.

[asianthree]

Sorry I scan their card to my phone and contacts. Then I either hand card back to them, or throw in a drawer to be tossed in 6 months

[retiredguy123]

You may find some squeamish to scan QR codes because of the scams going around. Not that long ago there was the guy who made his own that directed scans to his fictitious website for paying for parking. The wise guy made a site and codes , then pasted them over parking meter scans codes in Texas. When someone scanned they paid him for parking and exposed their credit card info for future use.
I agree. I have also heard that scanning a QR code can install malicious software on your phone. I never scan those QR codes.

[shut the front door]

I didn't even know "cards" were still a thing here. When I first moved here 11 years ago I was told that I "needed" these. Ordered some, never used them. Early on, I had a couple of people give them to me, but I have no idea where they ended up, lol.
In this day and time, it's so much easier just to put someone's phone number in your phone.

[bopat]

Yeah we made a QR code that created a contact too. Not too many people here trust scanning it to put an entry in their contacts, so we end up texting or calling the new person and they just add it manually themselves.

[ltcdfancher]

I agree. I have also heard that scanning a QR code can install malicious software on your phone. I never scan those QR codes.
I understand how a QR Code could point to a malicious web address that then introduces malware onto a device. After chatting with potential new friends for a while, I would hope that they wouldn’t suspect me of attempting anything malicious. But I get it. Thanks for your thoughts.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

I understand how a QR Code could point to a malicious web address that then introduces malware onto a device. After chatting with potential new friends for a while, I would hope that they wouldn’t suspect me of attempting anything malicious. But I get it. Thanks for your thoughts.

easier to exchange text messages with number and move directly to contacts.

overthinking gets me in lots of trouble as well.
KISS theory

minimum three practice swings
no swing thoughts
just pray

[Bill14564]

easier to exchange text messages with number and move directly to contacts.

overthinking gets me in lots of trouble as well.
KISS theory

minimum three practice swings
no swing thoughts
just pray

Not really simpler, just what you know and are comfortable with.

Current:
- Open messaging app
- Correctly type phone number
- Send text
- Open messaging app on phone 2
- Click to create new contact
- Add name
- Save new contact

With QR code (when things work properly):
- Open camera app on phone 2
- Scan QR code
- Save new contact

[CoachKandSportsguy]

Not really simpler, just what you know and are comfortable with.

Current:
- Open messaging app
- Correctly type phone number
- Send text
- Open messaging app on phone 2
- Click to create new contact
- Add name
- Save new contact

With QR code (when things work properly):
- Open camera app on phone 2
- Scan QR code
- Save new contact

comfortable with both, just KISS,
but where is your QRC answer hosted?

and will they eventually charge a fee?

[retiredguy123]

Not really simpler, just what you know and are comfortable with.

Current:
- Open messaging app
- Correctly type phone number
- Send text
- Open messaging app on phone 2
- Click to create new contact
- Add name
- Save new contact

With QR code (when things work properly):
- Open camera app on phone 2
- Scan QR code
- Save new contact
When I receive a call on my phone, it gives me the option to add the caller and number to my contacts with one click.

[HappyTraveler]

I agree. I have also heard that scanning a QR code can install malicious software on your phone. I never scan those QR codes.
100% this. ^^^

I never scan QR codes of any kind to potentially avoid that or, at minimum, the installation of cookie-type trackers on my phone.

No offense to the OP but, there seems to be no point in making something more complex than it needs to be. Shared phone # and email (plus address if we'll be visiting) is all I need from anyone here.

[Bill14564]

When I receive a call on my phone, it gives me the option to add the caller and number to my contacts with one click.

It's been too long since I've received a text from someone who is not already in my contacts. Do names come across with caller-id and not just numbers? In any case, that only saves one step.

[Bill14564]

100% this. ^^^

I never scan QR codes of any kind to potentially avoid that or, at minimum, the installation of cookie-type trackers on my phone.

No offense to the OP but, there seems to be no point in making something more complex than it needs to be. Shared phone # and email (plus address if we'll be visiting) is all I need from anyone here.

Sure, because typing in a name, phone number, email address, and house address is so much less complex than scanning a QR code.

[Bill14564]

comfortable with both, just KISS,
but where is your QRC answer hosted?

and will they eventually charge a fee?

I haven't looked into this in quite a while. A QR code can store more than a URL so it might be able to store the entire vCard and not use any service at all.

[ltcdfancher]

Coach, the text of the card is embedded in the QR Code. There’s nothing to be hosted. Here’s the text that gets encoded:
BEGIN:VCARD
VERSION:3.0
N:LName;FName
FN:FName LName
ORG:US Army (Retired)
ADR:;;The Villages;FL;34762;USA
TEL;TYPE=Cell:
EMAIL;INTERNET:username@domain.com
END:VCARD

[retiredguy123]

It's been too long since I've received a text from someone who is not already in my contacts. Do names come across with caller-id and not just numbers? In any case, that only saves one step.
I don't know because my phone is always on "do not disturb", except for contacts, unless I deliberately turn it off. You may need to add a name after adding the number to contacts, but I think some calls come with a caller ID name, and some with just the state.

[HappyTraveler]

Sure, because typing in a name, phone number, email address, and house address is so much less complex than scanning a QR code.
Reading comprehension is always fundamental.

[Stu from NYC]

I didn't even know "cards" were still a thing here. When I first moved here 11 years ago I was told that I "needed" these. Ordered some, never used them. Early on, I had a couple of people give them to me, but I have no idea where they ended up, lol.
In this day and time, it's so much easier just to put someone's phone number in your phone.

We never got cards just exchanged numbers the old fashioned way.

[shut the front door]

I also find it funny that shortly after moving here, I would meet new people in a variety of social situations and some would ask if I have a "card". Saying no got me out of some situations because they never pushed for my number after I said no about the card.
Sometimes you wake up the next day and think "that was fun, but I wouldn't hang with them on a regular basis".

[CoachKandSportsguy]

Coach, the text of the card is embedded in the QR Code. There’s nothing to be hosted. Here’s the text that gets encoded:
BEGIN:VCARD
VERSION:3.0
N:LName;FName
FN:FName LName
ORG:US Army (Retired)
ADR:;;The Villages;FL;34762;USA
TEL;TYPE=Cell:
EMAIL;INTERNET:username@domain.com
END:VCARD

well, i learned something new on here quite often,

Thank you

Sportsguy

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I print my own cards, no need to pay someone else to do it. When someone gives me theirs, I use google lens to scan it into my contacts list.

[CarlR33]

Use Word to retype your contact info into repeated sections the size of a business card, print and cut out as needed, done.

[bmcgowan13]

What hurdles might I find as I distribute my contact information this way?

VistaPrint lets you generate your QR code for free--but--it only lists a business phone number/address.

Not a big deal if you don't mind having the number labelled as a business. Most people don't care--they just call the number.

[tophcfa]

A card with a QR code would go quickly into the trash receptacle. A regular card would get filed with the others.

[jimkerr]

Why not just go to your contact in your phone and share it with the person?

Come on, it’s 2025. No need for cards!

[SoCalGal]

My wife and I close on our new home in The Villages in less than 48-hours. We plan to have some calling cards made to share our details with new-found friends. Being ever-so-slightly geekish, I am considering a QR Code along with the traditional numbers and letters.

I went to one of those Generate Your Free QR Code Here websites. Wham-Bam. In less than five minutes, I had my VCard embedded (I thought) in a QR Code. A few days later and after I had some cards printed, the email came through saying that my free-trial had expired; my QR Code was now inactive.

Some more research revealed that QR Codes can encode simple text. A VCard is just a bunch of text strings in a particular format. I found the correct format. Entered my info into the correct places in the format. Then I copied that information into a different QR Code generator as plain text. Screenshot the result and everything seems to work.

What hurdles might I find as I distribute my contact information this way?

Yours is a question for Grok3. It's free now. You'll love it.

[nhkim]

I bought cards from Vista Print when we first moved here. Both of our names, our address (including Village) here, as well as our up north address at the bottom, both our email addresses and cell phone numbers are on the same card. Inexpensive, easy to design, and nice looking. 1,000 cards for something like $25. A lifetime supply. I certainly used them a lot more than I do now. I carry some in my purse and my sports bag. I organize a couple social groups so when someone approaches me with a question that I can't answer right then or requires me sending them some information, I hand them my card and tell them to send me a text or email. That puts the onus on them to follow up. The problem with exchanging contact info with someone on the spot is (a) sometimes folks don't have their cell phone with them and (b) it can be very hard to read screens in the bright sun.

I think your QR code will help you to filter out the folks who are like-minded in the techie arena from those who aren't.

[bowlingal]

I never have used QR codes, and hopefully never will. A friend of mine who worked for the gov"t, said to NEVER scan those QR codes that you see advertised. Scammers can get into those too, and take all your info from your phone. Just sayin.....do what you want.

[TVTVTV]

My wife and I close on our new home in The Villages in less than 48-hours. We plan to have some calling cards made to share our details with new-found friends. Being ever-so-slightly geekish, I am considering a QR Code along with the traditional numbers and letters.

I went to one of those Generate Your Free QR Code Here websites. Wham-Bam. In less than five minutes, I had my VCard embedded (I thought) in a QR Code. A few days later and after I had some cards printed, the email came through saying that my free-trial had expired; my QR Code was now inactive.

Some more research revealed that QR Codes can encode simple text. A VCard is just a bunch of text strings in a particular format. I found the correct format. Entered my info into the correct places in the format. Then I copied that information into a different QR Code generator as plain text. Screenshot the result and everything seems to work.

What hurdles might I find as I distribute my contact information this way?

Congrats on your new home! I personally would never bother to scan a QR code that was on a social card. They are a nuisance at bars and restaurants when they don't have other media menus. Too much grief. I'd put the card in my file (not circular of course)!

[sallyg]

QR codes annoy everyone I know, of a certain age, including me.

[RRGuyNJ]

Simply give them your name and number. Done! Text it to them if you want high tech. OR Codes! No need at all.

[MrFlorida]

A phone number will do for new friends.

[midiwiz]

My wife and I close on our new home in The Villages in less than 48-hours. We plan to have some calling cards made to share our details with new-found friends. Being ever-so-slightly geekish, I am considering a QR Code along with the traditional numbers and letters.

I went to one of those Generate Your Free QR Code Here websites. Wham-Bam. In less than five minutes, I had my VCard embedded (I thought) in a QR Code. A few days later and after I had some cards printed, the email came through saying that my free-trial had expired; my QR Code was now inactive.

Some more research revealed that QR Codes can encode simple text. A VCard is just a bunch of text strings in a particular format. I found the correct format. Entered my info into the correct places in the format. Then I copied that information into a different QR Code generator as plain text. Screenshot the result and everything seems to work.

What hurdles might I find as I distribute my contact information this way?

don't spend a lot on those, and forget the QR codes, many aren't that savvy, let alone many will take your card never to be heard from again.

[ltcdfancher]

I never have used QR codes, and hopefully never will. A friend of mine who worked for the gov"t, said to NEVER scan those QR codes that you see advertised. Scammers can get into those too, and take all your info from your phone. Just sayin.....do what you want.
I’ve been accused of many things, but never a scammer!

[Stu from NYC]

I’ve been accused of many things, but never a scammer!

Nobody suggested you are a scammer

[USNA87]

Some of you may like the Dot Card. dot. cards - Digital Business Card of the Future
– dot.cards (https://dotcards.net)

You can set up your complete profile (whatever you want to share) online, and when the Dot card comes into proximity of a phone, the link pops up, you select it, your profile shows up, and they can save it to their contacts. Very simple. There is also a QR card on the back if your proximity setting is not on.

$20 for a card and it lasts forever.


My wife and I close on our new home in The Villages in less than 48-hours. We plan to have some calling cards made to share our details with new-found friends. Being ever-so-slightly geekish, I am considering a QR Code along with the traditional numbers and letters.

I went to one of those Generate Your Free QR Code Here websites. Wham-Bam. In less than five minutes, I had my VCard embedded (I thought) in a QR Code. A few days later and after I had some cards printed, the email came through saying that my free-trial had expired; my QR Code was now inactive.

Some more research revealed that QR Codes can encode simple text. A VCard is just a bunch of text strings in a particular format. I found the correct format. Entered my info into the correct places in the format. Then I copied that information into a different QR Code generator as plain text. Screenshot the result and everything seems to work.

What hurdles might I find as I distribute my contact information this way?

[BFISHER54]

Personally, I would never scan a QR code on someone’s card. Too big of a risk.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

personally, i hate email now not in the business world, and I tell contractors, companies, etc, to call/text me versus email, as I no longer live on email for timely responses. . . . don't use email on my phone either. .

good luck with your new project retiring with too much time on your hands

[Shadowrider]

I would be very reluctant to scan a QR code even if it looks like it came from a friend. I know that many of my friends have been hacked and that hackers use QR codes to install malicious software. Whenever you scan any QR code you are at risk.

[Lisanp@aol.com]

I have minimal info on my calling cards - First names (not last), Village name (not address), one cell number (that it's easy to block a caller) and a "Villages specific" email address created for this purpose.
You don't REALLY know who you are sharing your personal information with on a first meet...maybe I'm too cautious, but "better safe than sorry"

[Bill14564]

I have minimal info on my calling cards - First names (not last), Village name (not address), one cell number (that it's easy to block a caller) and a "Villages specific" email address created for this purpose.
You don't REALLY know who you are sharing your personal information with on a first meet...maybe I'm too cautious, but "better safe than sorry"

Wouldn’t it be easier just to not give out a card to someone you are not comfortable with?

[shut the front door]

Wouldn’t it be easier just to not give out a card to someone you are not comfortable with?

Sometimes, it doesn't get uncomfortable until after you've exchanged. I had a couple of swingers give me their card, but I didn't give them my info. Didn't know they were swingers until after they'd given me the card.