TL;DR: On September 3, 2026 the FTC warned that criminals are covering legitimate parking meter QR codes with fraudulent ones. Scanning a fake code sends the driver to a website built to steal financial and personal information. The FTC advises checking the previewed link, keeping devices updated, and reporting incidents at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
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What the FTC reported
In a consumer alert published September 3, 2026, the FTC Consumer Alerts said scammers are placing fraudulent QR codes over the real ones on parking meters. A driver who scans the sticker lands on a fake site designed to capture payment details and personal information.
The trick works because the sticker sits exactly where a driver expects to pay, and a QR code hides the web address until it is read.
Red flags before you scan
- A sticker that looks raised, misaligned or layered over another code.
- A previewed web address with spelling errors or unusual characters.
- A payment page that asks for more personal information than a parking fee needs.
The FTC recommends inspecting the link, since many QR readers preview where the code will send you. It also advises keeping your phone's operating system and apps updated and using strong passwords with multi-factor authentication.
If you already scanned one
Per the FTC, do not contact anyone through the suspicious website. If you entered credentials, change those passwords immediately, then monitor bank and card statements for charges you do not recognize. If card details were entered, call your card issuer. Our guide to the fake FTC refund recovery scam shows how criminals exploit victims a second time, and what to do after a scam, wherever you live lists general recovery steps.
Where to report
Report the code and website at FTC ReportFraud. If money was taken, also file with FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) and tell the parking operator or city so the sticker can be removed. Further reading: how to reverse a wire transfer scam explains why speed matters after any payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the parking meter QR code scam?
Criminals cover real parking meter QR codes with fraudulent ones, so scanning leads to a fake website that steals financial and personal information.
How can I check a QR code before paying?
The FTC advises inspecting the link your QR reader previews and looking for spelling errors or unusual characters before opening it.
What should I do if I scanned a suspicious code?
Avoid contacting the scammer, change passwords immediately if you entered any, and monitor your bank and card statements.
Where do I report it?
Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Sources
- FTC Consumer Alert: See a QR code parked somewhere? Don't scan it, yet (Sep 3, 2026)
- FTC ReportFraud
- FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
Related Reading
- FTC: Scammers Are Using AI to Clone Real Car Dealership Websites
- FBI Newark Warns of Fake Agents Who Spoof Office Numbers and Stage Video Meetings
- Inside Operation Blackout: How the FBI Is Targeting Overseas Scam Compounds
- US Scam News: October 2026 Roundup and Warnings
- What to do after a scam, wherever you live