Scammers are swapping parking meter QR codes to steal your money

Scammers are covering legitimate QR codes on parking meters with their own fake codes to steal money and personal information from people paying for parking, according to the FTC. If your staff or clients scan these codes, they risk having their accounts compromised or their credit cards drained. You need to know how to spot the swap and what to do if it happens.

The scam is simple but effective. People have reported scammers placing fake QR codes over the real ones on parking meters. If you scan that scammy code, it takes you to a fake site designed to steal your money or your personal information. It’s not just about a few dollars in parking fees. It’s about your bank account. (FTC)

The FTC suggests checking the URL preview in your QR reader before scanning. Look for any spelling mistakes or switched letters in the link. If it looks off, don’t scan it.

Keep your phone’s operating system and apps updated to help block scam links. The FTC also recommends using strong passwords and multi-factor authentication for your online accounts.

If you think you scanned a bad code, don’t interact with the scammer. Reaching out could lead them to steal more money or info. If you entered your username or password, change them everywhere you use those same credentials. (FTC)

Check your credit card and bank statements for any transactions you didn’t make. Then, report the incident to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Sources: consumer.ftc.gov.