Don't fall for this: The fake QR code scam that aims to take your money at parking meters

A Quick Response code, or QR code, is an easy way to access information on your mobile device. However, a scam that uses the codes at parking meters is making people become more vigilant before they pay.  

“Think twice before scanning QR codes in public,” a TikTok user said in a post.  

He said his friend went to scan the ParkMobile Parking App, and he got scammed.  

“All of his information was out there. It was thrown to the dark web,” he said. “When you’re in public, make sure that the QR Code you’re scanning is actually part of the sign and not a sticker that somebody put over it.”  

On Sept. 8, a Florida resident reported to the Better Business Bureau that they had been scammed after paying $1.25 in the parking lot when they scanned the QR code for PayByPhone. Their bank account immediately alerted them of the fraud. 

So far, there have been 12 reported QR codes and parking scams reported to the Better Business Bureau in 2024.

Two weeks ago KABC-TV reported that a California man noticed that something was wrong when he paid for parking in San Clemente. 

"We punched in the URL. The URL – the first five on the Google search were fakes," Vance Ingmanson told the news outlet. "It was a scam. It has the logo. It says 'passport parking.'" 

After entering his credit card information, Ingmanson’s wife was notified of “unauthorized charges” on his account.  

The news outlet also reported that fake QR codes were found at 150 parking meters along the Esplanade and Riviera Village area.  

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Better Business Bureau warns drivers of QR code parking scam  

In July this year, the BB sent out an alert for the parking meter scams. But the BBB told USA TODAY that QR code scams aren’t new. There were multiple reports of the scam making the rounds in Atlanta last year.

Since the organization has seen a recent uptick in scams this summer, they are encouraging drivers to be more skeptical when using QR Codes to pay for parking.  

“If you end up scanning it and you see a short link or a link going to something that doesn't look like it's either the municipal parking or the parking ramp, that's a red flag,” Melanie McGovern, a spokesperson for the BBB told USA TODAY.  

McGovern also said that drivers should check their bank accounts after using the parking QR codes to make sure that the transaction was legitimate.  

“What's the rate for parking?” she said. “Somebody reported to us that they were charged $49.99. They paid a lot.”  

The bureau also said changing your payment method in this scenario is beneficial.  

“Using a credit card instead of a debit card is always advised as well,” McGovern said. “Just in case there is fraud, there's a little bit more protection with a credit card than a debit card.” 

In addition, opting out of using the QR Codes altogether might be a safer option.  

“See if there's a human in the parking lot that works there who can maybe direct you to the right place,” McGovern said. “Being able to enter your information directly into the kiosk is a lot more safe than scanning a QR code.”  

Better Business Bureau shares latest data for QR Code scams

QR codes and parking scam reports are recorded in the BBB's Scam Tracker. The organization keeps a record of up to three years of reported incidents.

Here are the numbers of the recently reported incidents:

◾ 2022: Seven cases

◾ 2023: 15 cases

◾ 2024: 12 cases

Don't get scammed: Better Business Bureau shares additional tips

On their alert in July, the BBB advised that drivers do the following before paying for parking with a QR code:  

◾ Pay on the meter: Try to avoid scanning the QR code. Instead, use your credit card to pay directly on the meter. 

◾ Look at the link: When you are trying to pay for parking and the code brings you to a short link or the website looks suspicious do not proceed to pay. Key indicators include “spelling or grammar errors, and blurry images or logos.” 

◾ Spot the scam: Often, scammers will place QR codes on top of the real ones on parking meters. Others will place a huge piece of paper next to the parking sign. Try to look at the QR code to see if it is on the original sticker or not.  

◾ Get a QR Code scanner: For an extra layer of protection, download a QR scanner app. These apps will alert you if there is a “phishing scam, suspicious links, and forced app downloads before you click on the link.” 

Ahjané Forbes is a reporter on the National Trending Team at USA TODAY. Ahjané covers breaking news, car recalls, crime, health, lottery and public policy stories. Email her at [email protected]. Follow her on Instagram, Threads and X (Twitter) @forbesfineest.