Scam Library

Fraudulent Parking QR Codes

Scammers place a sticker with their own QR code directly over the legitimate one on a parking meter or pay station. Scanning it opens a website that looks like a normal parking payment page, but is actually designed to steal your card details or personal information rather than pay for parking.

Warning signs

What to watch for

A QR code that looks like a sticker placed on top of the meter, rather than printed or built into it
Any sign of tampering, peeling edges, or a code that seems added after the fact
A payment web address that doesn't match the city's or garage's official parking system
Being asked for more information than a parking payment would normally require

Stay safe

How to verify

Use the city's or parking operator's official app, or type their verified website address in yourself, instead of scanning an unfamiliar code
If you already scanned a questionable code and entered any information, change that password right away and review your card and bank statements for unfamiliar charges

Already sent money or shared a password?

Contact your bank using the number on the back of your card, or the official number on your statement — not any number from the suspicious message.

Not sure if something you received matches this pattern?

Check a Message