Watch out for this: The fraudulent QR code scheme targeting your money at parking meters
A Quick Response (QR) code offers a straightforward way to retrieve information on your smartphone. Unfortunately, a scheme utilizing these codes at parking meters has caused individuals to be on high alert before making payment.
“Be cautious before scanning QR codes in public,” a user on TikTok warned in a post.
He recounted that after his friend attempted to scan the ParkMobile Parking App, he was scammed.
“All of his information was compromised. It was leaked onto the dark web,” he stated. “When you’re out in public, verify that the QR Code you’re scanning is genuinely part of the signage and not a sticker someone added.”
On September 8, a resident from Florida alerted the Better Business Bureau after being conned for $1.25 while in a parking lot when he scanned the QR code for PayByPhone. His bank quickly informed him of the fraudulent activity.
In 2024, there have already been 12 reported scams involving QR codes at parking facilities, according to the Better Business Bureau.
Recently, KABC-TV reported that a man in California became suspicious when he paid for parking in San Clemente.
“We entered the URL, and the initial five results on Google were fraudulent,” Vance Ingmanson shared with the news outlet. “It was a scam. It had the logo and claimed it was ‘passport parking.'”
After he submitted his credit card details, Ingmanson’s wife received alerts about “unauthorized charges” on their account.
The news report also mentioned that counterfeit QR codes had been detected on 150 parking meters in the Esplanade and Riviera Village area.
Better Business Bureau alerts drivers about QR code parking scams
In July of this year, the Better Business Bureau issued a warning regarding parking meter scams. However, they indicated to YSL News that QR code scams have been around for some time. There were several instances reported in Atlanta last year.
As the organization has noted a recent increase in scams this summer, they urge drivers to remain suspicious when using QR Codes for parking payments.
“If you scan a code and it directs you to a shortened link or something that doesn’t appear to be associated with municipal parking or a reputable parking service, consider it a warning sign,” Melanie McGovern, a spokesperson for the Better Business Bureau, informed YSL News.
McGovern added that drivers should monitor their bank accounts after they use parking QR codes to ensure that the charges are valid.
“What’s the standard parking rate?” she asked. “Someone told us they were charged $49.99. That’s exorbitant.”
The bureau recommended changing your payment method in these situations.
“Opting for a credit card instead of a debit card is advisable,” McGovern stated. “This provides more protection against fraud.”
Additionally, for safety reasons, it may be better to avoid using QR Codes entirely.
“Look for personnel in the parking area who can guide you to the correct payment method,” McGovern suggested. “Inputting your payment details directly into the kiosk is generally safer than scanning a QR code.”
Better Business Bureau provides recent data on QR Code scams
Incidents of QR code and parking scams are recorded in the Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker, which has a record of up to three years of reported cases.
Here’s the breakdown of reported scams:
- 2022: Seven instances
- 2023: 15 instances
- 2024: 12 instances
Avoid Being Scammed: Better Business Bureau offers more tips
- Pay at the Meter: Avoid scanning QR codes whenever possible. Use your credit card directly on the meter instead.
- Examine the Link: If the QR code takes you to a shortened link or if the website appears untrustworthy, do not proceed with payment. Look for signs like “spelling or grammar mistakes, or unclear images and logos.”
- Identify the Scam: Scammers often place QR codes over the legitimate ones on parking meters or display large signs nearby. Inspect the QR code to determine if it is on the original label.
- Download a QR Code Scanner: For extra protection, consider using a QR scanner app. These apps can warn you of “phishing scams, dubious links, and unwanted app downloads before you click a link.”
Ahjané Forbes works for the National Trending Team at YSL News, where she reports on a variety of topics including breaking news, vehicle recalls, crime, health issues, lottery results, and stories related to public policy. You can Connect with her on Instagram, Threads, and X (formerly Twitter) at @forbesfineest.