Fake “Scan to Pay” Stickers Lead to Significant Financial Losses
Police in New Westminster, B.C., are warning residents and visitors about a QR code scam targeting parking meter users, with victims reporting that they have lost large sums of money after entering payment details on fraudulent websites.
The New Westminster Police Department (NWPD) said scammers have placed fake QR code stickers on parking meters across the city. The stickers, which include messages such as “scan to pay,” are designed to look like legitimate payment options.
Scammers Use Fake Parking Payment Websites
According to police, drivers who scan the fraudulent QR codes are redirected to websites that appear authentic and are prompted to enter their credit card information to complete a parking transaction.
However, the information provided on these sites can be collected by scammers and used for unauthorized purchases or financial theft.
The NWPD said it has received numerous reports connected to the scam and has been actively removing the fake stickers from parking meters while investigating where they originated.
In one reported case, a victim lost $2,000 after interacting with a fraudulent QR code.
Police Urge Public to Check Official Payment Methods
Authorities are reminding the public to carefully verify payment instructions before entering any personal or financial information.
“While the stickers may appear legitimate, acceptable forms of payment are printed on signs above or on the meter,” police said in a statement.
Drivers are encouraged to use only the payment methods officially displayed on parking equipment and to avoid scanning unfamiliar QR codes placed over existing signage.
What to Do If You Scanned a Suspicious QR Code
Anyone who has scanned one of the fake QR codes is advised to review their bank and credit card statements for unusual activity.
Police recommend reporting any suspicious transactions to financial institutions and contacting authorities if personal information may have been compromised.
Conclusion
The New Westminster QR code parking scam highlights the growing use of digital payment fraud targeting everyday services. Police are urging drivers to remain cautious and verify payment sources before sharing financial information to help prevent further losses.
Francesco Petrarca is a writer for ThePacket.ca, covering news, politics, business, technology, sports, entertainment, and lifestyle. He is committed to clear and reliable reporting, providing readers with useful information, timely updates, and stories that highlight important developments and current affairs.