By David Lyons South Florida Sun Sentinel
While QR codes have become gateways to convenience for countless shoppers and people in a rush, the city of Fort Lauderdale has discovered they are potentially a tool for scammers who want to steal your bank information.
The city issued a public alert Thursday to residents and visitors that a parking payment scam involving stickers with fake QR codes is now in play on municipal meters and “Pay by Phone” signs.
“These stickers with counterfeit QR codes, which may display the logo of a legitimate mobile app, are redirecting users to fraudulent websites that attempt to steal sensitive banking information,” the city said in a statement.
Parking staff members first encountered the stickers with fake codes Wednesday during routine inspections of municipal parking areas and alerted police, said city media relations and outreach manager Christine Portela in an email.
She said stickers were initially found along Breakers Avenue and Bayshore Drive, as well as in the North Beach area north of Sunrise Boulevard along State Road A1A.
On Thursday morning, others were found in lots outside the city’s Transportation and Mobility office on Northeast Third Avenue.
“We don’t have any information as of right now on any victims,” Portela said.
The city’s warning was accompanied by photos of stickers that appear to be haphazardly slapped onto the city’s pay-by-phone signage and parking meters.
“We urge anyone using city parking to pay only through the official parking meters or by downloading the official payment app marked on the official city signage, NOT the sticker,” according to the warning.Recommended precautions
Use QR codes that are clearly displayed and printed on the official city signs – not a sticker.
Mindfulness is important: The city says most parking locations use the “Pay By Phone” app. “The only locations using the ‘ParkMobile’ app are our EV charging stations and the Arts & Science District Garage,” the statement said.
Use city parking meters: “Always pay directly at the meter or through the official mobile payment application, not via QR code on a sticker. The City does not use GooglePay QR codes,” the city advised.
Report suspicious activity
Thus far, the police have not identified the person or persons behind the sticker scheme.
Suspected fake codes should be reported to the city by calling a customer service line at 954-828-8000, or by visiting fortlauderdale.gov/fixitftl or the FixItFTL app.
People who believe they have been scammed are urged to contact the Fort Lauderdale Police Department non-emergency line at 954-764-4357.
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