Beware of sneaky new parking QR code scam

Have you ever scanned a QR code to pay for parking and thought, “Wow, was that easy?” Have you ever thought?

Well, take care of your smartphones Because we’re about to tell you about a sneaky new scam that’s causing trouble for parkers all over the world.

You may think you’re pretty smart when it comes to spotting online scams, but these scammers are seriously upping their game with QR codes.

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QR codes: From convenience to fraud

Remember how QR codes consist of those interesting square patterns you see on product packaging? They’ve come a long way, baby. They’re everywhere these days, from restaurant menus to parking meters. But while they made our lives easier, they also opened up a new avenue for fraudsters to exploit.

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Fraud in action

Imagine this. You go to beautiful beaches Redondo, California. You find a spot, walk up to the counter and see a QR code for easy payment. Convenient, right? Not that fast. In a brazen move, scammers placed fake QR codes at approximately 150 parking meters in the Esplanade and Riviera Village area. These fake codes were strategically placed right next to the legitimate ParkMobile and PayByPhone labels. Talk about hiding in the open.

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Head up the coast towards San Clemente and you’ll find a similar story. An unsuspecting driver became the victim of this accident digital deception. He scanned what he thought was a legitimate code but found himself on a fraudulent website. Within minutes, his wife’s credit card company called about unauthorized charges. Talk about a parking nightmare.

This scam is not unique to California. Law enforcement agencies across the country are reporting similar scams, now called “quishing” (QR code phishing). These scams often target high-traffic areas and aim to collect personal and financial information from unsuspecting victims.

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How does the scam work?

These scammers use QR code technology to reveal their tricks. Here’s their playbook:

fake sticker: Scammers create QR code stickers that look just like the real deal.

Similar URL: Scammers are setting up websites with names that are eerily similar to legitimate parking payment sites. For example, PoyByPhone instead of PayByPhone. Did you find the difference? It’s not easy.

Data capture: When you enter the scammer’s site, they ask for your location and payment information, just like a real parking app.

Quick escape: Once you have your data, thieves start making unauthorized charges faster than you can say “parking ticket.”

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How do you protect yourself?

1. Examine the URL: Before entering any information, carefully review the web address for any irregularities or typos.

2. Use official apps: Whenever possible, use the official city parking app instead of scanning QR codes.

3. Examine for tampering: Be wary of QR codes that appear to be an afterthought or added on top of existing signage.

4. Consider alternative payment methods: Sometimes, 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 and security software that protects against the latest threats.

6. Avoid public Wi-Fi for payments: Public Wi-Fi Networks are often unsecured, making them prime hunting grounds for cybercriminals. When paying for parking, use your cellular 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, check out my expert review of the best VPNs for private browsing the web. Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

7. Beware of spam: Ignore links sent via email, text or social media claiming to be for parking payments. Instead, enter it manually on the official parking website or use the city’s app.

8. Use safe browsing methods: Your smartphone’s built-in camera is usually sufficient for scanning QR codes. Avoid downloading third-party QR code scanning apps that may potentially contain malware.

9. Verify payment requests: If you receive a QR code for payment via email, do not rush to pay. Contact the company directly through its official channels to confirm the request.

10. Do not click on suspicious links: Be wary of clicking links that appear in emails, texts or social media messages about parking payments. Scammers often use these methods to direct you to fake websites that may appear legitimate but are designed to steal your personal and financial information.

The best way to protect yourself from malicious links that install malware and potentially access your private information is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection also keeps your personal information and digital assets safe by alerting you to phishing emails and ransomware scams. Learn the winners’ picks for the best antivirus protection of 2024 for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

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What should you do if you’ve been scammed?

If you think you’ve fallen victim to a QR code scam, don’t panic. Here is your action plan:

Contact your bank: Call your credit card company or bank immediately to report the fraud and freeze your accounts.

Submit a report: Contact your local police department.

Warn the FTC: File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov/complaint.

Monitor your credit: Keep a close eye on your credit reports for suspicious activity.

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Kurt’s important takeaways

Remember, scammers are constantly improving their tactics, but so are the good guys. By staying informed and using a healthy dose of skepticism, you can enjoy the convenience of digital payments without falling victim to these parking predators. So next time you’re out and looking for parking, keep these tips in mind and don’t let scammers take you for a ride.

How do you think cities can better protect residents and visitors from these types of scams? Let us know by writing to . cyberguy.com/Contact

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