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QR Code Parking Payment Scams

id=12 | wp_post_id=2683 | 2026-01-01 00:02:30

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<p><strong>Title:</strong> Fake Parking Tickets With QR Codes: How Drivers Are Getting Tricked<br><strong>Excerpt:</strong> Scammers place fake tickets or QR stickers that send you to a counterfeit payment site. It looks legit until your money is gone.</p>

<p><strong>Body:</strong><br>A growing trend targets drivers using QR codes on fake parking tickets or altered signage. The QR code takes you to a look-alike payment page that collects your card details and personal information. Some cities have issued warnings after reports of losses from these fake citations. </p>

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">How the scam works</h3>

<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>You find a &#8220;ticket&#8221; on your car or see a QR code on/near a meter.</li>

<li>The code opens a &#8220;Pay here&#8221; page that mimics official portals.</li>

<li>You pay &#8211; but the money goes to scammers, and your payment details can be stolen. </li>
</ol>

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Red flags</h3>

<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>A ticket that pushes you to pay via a QR code immediately.</li>

<li>A payment page with odd spelling, strange web address, or unusual checkout flow.</li>

<li>QR stickers that look like they were placed over a real code. </li>
</ul>

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">What to do (safe steps)</h3>

<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Avoid paying via random QR codes.</strong></li>

<li><strong>Verify the ticket</strong> through the city or parking authority using the official site/app you already trust. </li>

<li>If you must use a QR code, check for tampering and confirm the website domain before entering any info. </li>
</ul>

<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Contact your bank/card issuer immediately.</li>

<li>Monitor accounts for follow-on fraud attempts (scammers may reuse stolen info). <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2025/may/25/qr-code-scam-what-is-quishing-drivers-app-phone-parking-payment?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"></a></li>
</ul>

The Unpaid Toll Text Scam (Smishing)

id=11 | wp_post_id=2681 | 2026-01-01 00:01:02

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<p><strong>Title:</strong> Dont Click That Toll Text: The Unpaid Toll Smishing Wave<br><strong>Excerpt:</strong> Scammers are blasting fake toll-payment texts that look real. One tap can steal your card and personal info.</p>

<p><strong>Body:</strong><br>A widespread smishing (SMS phishing) campaign is hitting phones across the U.S. with messages that claim you owe an unpaid toll. The text usually includes a link to &#8220;pay now&#8221; and threatens late fees, penalties, or other consequences if you do not act immediately. <a href="https://apnews.com/article/c2948f44b810d5160b60738b95486ae9?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AP News</a></p>

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">How the scam works</h3>

<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>You get a text pretending to be a toll agency (E-ZPass style wording, state toll programs, etc.).</li>

<li>The link opens a payment page designed to look official.</li>

<li>You enter card details and sometimes additional personal information.</li>

<li>Your data is stolen, and your card may be charged or used later.</li>
</ol>

<p>Officials have warned that these messages are reaching people even in places without toll roads, because scammers are sending them at scale. <a href="https://apnews.com/article/c2948f44b810d5160b60738b95486ae9?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AP News</a></p>

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Red flags</h3>

<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>A surprise toll bill via text (especially if you do not use toll roads).</li>

<li>Pressure and urgency: &#8220;Pay today&#8221; or &#8220;Final notice.&#8221;</li>

<li>A link that is not the real toll-agency domain.</li>

<li>The message asks you to reply to the text to &#8220;unlock&#8221; the link.</li>
</ul>

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">What to do (safe steps)</h3>

<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Do not click</strong> the link. Delete the text. <a href="https://apnews.com/article/c2948f44b810d5160b60738b95486ae9?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AP News</a></li>

<li>If you are unsure, <strong>open your toll account manually</strong> (use your saved bookmark or type the known official site yourself).</li>

<li>If you already clicked, <strong>do not enter payment info</strong>. Close the page.</li>
</ul>

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">If you already paid or entered info</h3>

<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Call your bank/card issuer immediately to dispute charges and protect the account.</li>

<li>Change passwords if you reused any credentials.</li>

<li>Report the attempt to the FBI IC3 when applicable (officials commonly direct victims to report there). <a href="https://apnews.com/article/c2948f44b810d5160b60738b95486ae9?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"></a></li>
</ul>