See a QR code parked somewhere? Don’t scan it…yet!
Scammers cover legitimate QR codes on parking meters with their own codes. Scanning the fake code sends you to a site that steals your money or personal information.
How it works
You arrive to pay for parking and see a QR code on the meter. You scan it with your phone. The code belongs to a scammer and directs you to a fake payment site that looks real. You enter your payment details or personal information, and the scammer captures it.
Red flags to watch for
- QR code appears to be peeled, layered, or newly placed over an old one
- QR code takes you to an unfamiliar or unusual payment page
- Payment site asks for more information than necessary (full SSN, driver's license number)
- URL in the browser does not match the official parking authority website
- Site has spelling errors, broken formatting, or poor image quality
What to do
Before scanning any QR code at a parking meter, look closely at it. If it appears tampered with or pasted over, do not scan it. Instead, look for a posted phone number or web address printed on the meter itself and call or visit that official site directly. If you do scan a code and land on a payment page, stop and verify the URL matches the real parking authority's website before entering any information.
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Show Scam Sentinel the text, email, link, or call. It tells you in plain language what looks wrong or right, why, and the one thing to do next. A second opinion before you tap, pay, or pick up.
Source: FTC. Scam Sentinel summarizes official guidance in plain language; it is a decision aid, not a guarantee.