Fake QR codes at parking lots are casting drivers’ info into scammers’ hands

Think twice before scanning codes in public.

A quick-response (QR) code is a fast and easy way to access information on your mobile device. No surprise, scammers have found a way to exploit what in most cases is a safe, useful tool.

What it is: Scammers apply fake QR code stickers atop real codes printed on public signs, such as those at parking lots or parking meters, tricking people into visiting a scam website or installing malware on their phones.

How it works: When you scan the code with your phone and input your payment details, the information goes not to the parking company but to a scammer. The thief can sell the data on the dark web or use it to make unauthorized charges with your credit card number.

Note: This fake QR scam isn’t limited to parking sites or stickers on signs. The Federal Trade Commission shared reports of fake QR codes in emails or texts sent to consumers about package delivery problems, suspicious account activity, and other scenarios.

Protect yourself:

• If you use a QR code, check the website it sends you to and make sure to look for misspellings or a switched letter. (The scammer site may be using the real company’s actual logo, so examine closely.)
• Learn more in a report on the Federal Trade Commission’s website: Scammers hide harmful links in QR codes to steal your information.