A method receiving a text file including a network destination associated with the reference, where the text file being converted from a QR code image captured by the mobile device. The method includes determining a data source associated with the reference, sending a query to the data source requesting a trustworthiness evaluation, and receiving validation information regarding the trustworthiness evaluation based on matching the network destination to a known network destination in a database of known network destinations. The method includes generating a message based on the validation information and transmitting the message to the mobile device.