QR Code Scams Target Southern California Parking Meters – How to Stay Safe

Scammers have found a new way to steal personal and payment information in Southern California by placing fake QR code stickers on legitimate parking meter signs.

These QR codes redirect unsuspecting individuals to fraudulent websites designed to collect sensitive payment information.

In Redondo Beach, over 150 parking meters were targeted with fake QR code stickers that closely mimicked the official ParkMobile and PayByPhone labels, as reported by NBCLA. Scammers placed these counterfeit stickers near legitimate payment signs, tricking people into scanning them and providing their financial details on fake sites.

Both ParkMobile and PayByPhone are commonly used parking payment systems across the state. While this scam has been spotted in parts of Southern California, authorities in Sacramento have not yet reported any incidents. City spokesperson Gabby Miller confirmed that no cases of fraudulent QR codes had been detected on Sacramento parking meters. She added that at street meters, users can still pay using cash, cards, or by entering the zone number directly into the ParkMobile app—no need to scan a QR code.

How to Protect Yourself from QR Code Parking Scams ParkMobile advises users to be vigilant when scanning QR codes on parking meters. If the QR code looks suspicious or appears to be a sticker, refrain from using it and instead use the ParkMobile app directly to enter your zone number. This can help avoid scams and ensure you are using the official platform. Users should also check that the URL begins with "app.parkmobile.io" when scanning a QR code.

Similarly, PayByPhone urges users to download its app directly from the official app stores or visit the website at paybyphone.com, ensuring that any QR codes they scan are legitimate.

The companies are working with authorities to identify and remove fraudulent QR codes in affected areas. If you encounter a suspicious code or sticker, report it to local officials so they can investigate immediately.

Beware of Fake Parking Tickets with QR Codes In addition to fake QR codes on parking meters, authorities in San Francisco and Southern California have reported incidents where scammers leave fake parking tickets with QR codes on vehicles. These codes are designed to harvest personal information when scanned. Residents are urged to compare any suspicious tickets with official parking citations found on local government websites.

By staying alert and following best practices for QR code usage, you can avoid falling victim to these scams.