Stickers with fake QR codes are turning up on parking meters

The FTC says people have reported QR code stickers placed over the real ones on parking meters. Scanning the sticker opens a look-alike payment page that collects card numbers or logins.

Warning signs

• The QR code is a sticker, sits crooked, or covers another code underneath.
• The link your camera previews has a misspelling or letters swapped around.
• The page asks for more than a plate number and a card, such as an account login.

What to do

1. Read the link preview before you tap. If it looks off, pay at the machine or through the parking app you installed yourself.
2. If you typed a password into the page, change it everywhere you use it.
3. Watch your card and bank statements for charges you do not recognize, then report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Already clicked or paid? Go to the recovery steps.