If you are parking in New York City, you have to be wary of these scam artists who started to place fake QR codes on parking meters. The codes look legitimate, but believe me when I say if you were to scan any of these codes, you could be losing money and basically giving your personal banking information away to some criminals.
City officials are urging New Yorkers to stay alert and know the signs before it happens to you.
How the fake QR code parking scam works
This type of scheme is called “quishing,” which refers to scams that use QR codes to trick people into sharing information.
Here is how it works:
- Scammers place a fake QR code sticker on the parking meter.
- Drivers, thinking it is legitimate, scan the code with their phone.
- The code directs them to a fake website that looks like the city’s payment page.
- Once drivers enter their details, the scammers collect their banking information or charge them fraudulent fees.
It looks convincing because the stickers are designed to blend in, but they are not part of the city’s official parking system.
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What New York City officials are saying
The New York City Department of Transportation has already issued a warning about these scams.
“Consumers beware: scammers are targeting parking meters, and we want you to be vigilant,” said Ydanis Rodriguez, the New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner. “If you see a QR code on a parking meter, do not scan it and please report it.”
Inspectors are currently checking meters across the city to make sure fake QR codes are not being added.
How to spot a fake QR code on parking meters
Officials and security experts have shared a few ways you can spot a fake before you get tricked.
- Check for spelling mistakes on the sticker or payment site.
- Look for unusual logos or colors that do not match the city’s design.
- Pay attention to the web address after scanning. If it looks strange or does not match the official NYC website, do not enter your details.
- Remember that New York City does not use QR codes for parking payments.
If you see a QR code on a parking meter, assume it is fraudulent.
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How you should pay for parking in New York City
To avoid getting scammed, only use the official payment methods:
- NYC Parking App: Downloaded directly from your phone’s app store.
- Parking terminals: Pay at the physical machine located near your parking space.
- Official website: Always type the address in manually instead of scanning codes.
These are the only safe ways to pay for parking in the city. If you see a QR code on a meter, you can be sure it is not legitimate.
What to do if you already scanned a fake QR code
If you have already scanned one fake QR code and entered your information by mistake, follow these steps now to act fast:
- Contact your bank to report any unauthorized charges.
- Change your online banking passwords to prevent future fraud.
- Report the incident to the police so they can continue the investigation.
- Keep a close watch on your accounts for any suspicious activities.
Acting quickly is the only way to reduce the chances of further losses for the consumer.
Tips to protect yourself from parking scams
Here are a few ways to protect yourself from a scammer:
- Pay only by official apps or machines.
- Never scan a QR code stuck in public places.
- Make sure to double-check the URL of any site where you submit your personal details.
- Keep your eyes on your email, as in a payment confirmation mail. If anything seems weird, check with your bank.
In being cautious, you guard both your wallet and your personal information.
