How to Protect Yourself

- Scammers create fake QR code stickers that look identical to legitimate ones.

- They place these stickers on parking meters, often near the real ones.

- Unsuspecting users scan the fake code and are directed to a fraudulent website.

- The website requests personal and financial information, which the scammers then use to make unauthorized charges.

- In Redondo Beach, California, scammers placed fake QR codes on parking meters, leading to unauthorized charges on victims' credit cards.

- A similar incident occurred in San Clemente, California, where a driver fell victim to a fake QR code and had unauthorized charges made to his wife's credit card.

Before entering any information, carefully examine the web address for any irregularities or misspellings.

Whenever possible, use the official city parking app instead of scanning QR codes.

Be wary of QR codes that appear to be afterthoughts or look like they've been added on top of existing signage.

Sometimes, using coins or a credit card directly at the meter is the safest option.

Regularly update your operating system and security software to protect against the latest threats.

Public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured, making them prime targets for cybercriminals. When making parking payments, use your cellular data connection instead.

Ignore links sent via email, text, or social media claiming to be for parking payments. Instead, manually enter the official parking website or use the city's app.

Your smartphone's built-in camera is typically sufficient for scanning QR codes. Avoid downloading third-party QR code scanning apps, which could potentially contain malware.

If you receive a QR code for payment via email, don't rush to pay. Contact the company directly through their official channels to confirm the request.

Be cautious about clicking on any links that appear in emails, texts, or social media messages regarding parking payments. Scammers often use these methods to direct you to fake websites that may look legitimate but are designed to steal your personal and financial information.

- Contact your bank immediately to report the fraud and freeze your accounts.

- File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov/complaint.

- Monitor your credit reports for any suspicious activity.

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, the next time you're out and about looking for a parking spot, keep these tips in mind, and don't let the scammers take you for a ride.