QR codes can be links, to viruses and spyware. Identity theft and cybercrime are rampant. His intuition was valid.
Discussion
No more so than a hyperlink?
True, but I don't fault someone for getting the feeling it's a scam and backing out.
What if you weren't that savvy, and someone says to you "hey I'll give you some free money, just download this app that's TOTALLY safe, then let my phone do this quick communication thing with your phone."
Fuck off, right?
Also almost every QR code reader previews the information represented.