New Yorkers Warned of Fake QR Codes Being Placed on Parking Meters That Steal Victims’ Payment Information

The City of New York is warning residents about a new scam that’s targeting people at the parking meters.

In a new press release, the New York Department of Transportation (DOT) warns the city about the scam, which uses fraudulent QR codes to steal victims’ payment data.

Authorities say that the QR codes lead to malicious third-party websites that ask for credit card data, while noting that the legitimate ways to pay for parking in New York are through the ParkNYC app or on the meters themselves.

Source: New York DOT

As stated by New York DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez,

“Consumers beware: scammers are targeting parking meters, and we want you to be vigilant. If you see a QR code on a parking meter, do not scan it, and please report it. This is a scam to collect your payment information, and we are working with law enforcement to hold those responsible accountable.”

According to the press release, authorities have started aggressively combating the scheme by conducting city-wide inspections, removing the QR codes and setting up ways for residents to report fake QR codes. If a fake QR code is spotted, residents are asked to tear it down and contact ParkNYC.