Have you ever scanned a QR code to pay for parking and thought, “Wow, that was easy”?
Now, grab your smartphone. We’re about to tell you about a sneaky new scam that’s causing major headaches for parking customers around the world.
You might think you’re pretty savvy when it comes to spotting online tricks, but these scammers are serious about their strategies using QR codes.
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Illustration of fraudulent QR code and website (Redondo Beach Police Department)
QR codes: From convenience to fraud
Remember when QR codes were just funky square patterns you saw on product packaging? Well, they’ve come a long way, baby. These days, they’re everywhere, from restaurant menus to parking meters. But while they make our lives easier, they also open up new avenues for scammers to exploit.
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Bad QR code (Redondo Beach Police Department)
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Fraud in progress
Please picture this. You head to the beautiful beaches of Redondo, California. Once you find a spot and walk up to the meter, a QR code will appear for you to easily pay. Convenient, right? Not so fast. In a brazen act, the scammers pasted fake QR codes on about 150 parking meters along the Esplanade and Riviera Village areas. These fake codes were strategically placed right next to the genuine ParkMobile and PayByPhone labels. Talk about hiding in plain sight.
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You can find similar stories as you head down the coast to San Clemente. One unsuspecting driver fell victim to this digital scam. Thinking it was a legitimate code, he scanned it and discovered he was directed to a fraudulent website. Within minutes, my wife’s credit card company called me about a fraudulent charge. Talk about a parking nightmare.
This scam isn’t limited to California. Law enforcement agencies across the country are now reporting a similar scam called “kissing” (QR code phishing). These scams typically target high-traffic areas and aim to collect personal and financial information from unsuspecting victims.
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Images of ParkMobile and PayByPhone apps (Redondo Beach Police Department)
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How the scam works
These scammers utilize QR code technology to perform their tricks. Here’s their playbook:
Fake sticker: Scammers create QR code stickers that look just like the real thing.
Similar URLs: Scammers have launched websites with names that are eerily similar to legitimate parking payment sites. For example, use PoyByPhone instead of PayByPhone. Can you see the difference? It’s not easy.
Get data: Once you visit the scammer’s site, you will be asked for your location and payment information, just like a real parking app.
Quick vacation: Once they have that data, thieves can start filing fraudulent charges faster than you can say “parking ticket.”
Parking lot and toll booth (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
Protect yourself from tech support scams
how to protect yourself
1. Scrutinize the URL. Carefully check the web address for any inaccuracies or misspellings before entering the information.
2. Use official apps. Whenever possible, use the city’s official parking app instead of scanning a QR code.
3. Check for tampering. Be wary of QR codes that are random or appear to have been added on top of an existing sign.
4. Consider alternative payment options. In some cases, using coins or a credit card directly at the meter is the safest option.
5. Keep your device updated. regularly Update your phone’s operating system Security software that protects you from the latest threats.
6. Don’t use public Wi-Fi to make payments. Public Wi-Fi Networks are often unsecured and are a prime hunting ground for cybercriminals. If you want to pay for parking, please use your mobile data connection instead. Remember, it’s better to use a little more mobile data than risk your financial information falling into the wrong hands. If you must use public Wi-Fi, consider using a VPN to encrypt your connection and protect your data from potential hackers. For the best VPN software, read my expert review of the best VPNs to browse the web privately. Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.
7. Be wary of unsolicited messages. Ignore links sent via email, text, or social media that purport to pay for parking. Instead, manually visit the official parking website or use the city’s app.
8. Use secure scanning methods. A smartphone’s built-in camera is usually sufficient for scanning QR codes. Don’t download third-party QR code scanning apps that may contain malware.
9. Confirm your payment request. If you receive a payment QR code via email, do not rush to pay. To confirm your request, please contact the company directly through their official channels.
10. Don’t click on suspicious links. Be careful when clicking on links that appear in emails, texts, or social media messages regarding parking payments. Scammers often use these methods to redirect users to fake websites that appear legitimate but are designed to steal personal and financial information.
The best way to protect yourself from malicious links that can install malware and access your personal information is to install strong antivirus software on all your devices. This protection also warns you about phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best antivirus protection products of 2024 for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.
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What to do if you get scammed
If you think you’ve fallen victim to a QR code scam, there’s no need to panic. Your plan of action is:
Please contact your bank: Call your credit card company or bank immediately to report the fraud and freeze your account.
Submit your report. Please contact your local police station.
Alert the FTC: File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov/complaint.
Monitor your credit: Keep a close eye on your credit report for suspicious activity.
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Cart important points
Remember, scammers are constantly evolving their tactics, and so are good guys. By staying informed and having a healthy dose of skepticism, you can enjoy the convenience of digital payments without falling victim to these parking criminals. So the next time you’re out looking for parking, keep these tips in mind to avoid letting scammers take you to your car.
How do you think cities can better protect residents and visitors from scams like this? Email us. Cyberguy.com/Contact
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