PCSO explains that scammers are creating stickers of their own QR code and placing them on top of the actual QR code you would scan to park.

PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — If you’ve paid for public parking around Pinellas County, you’ve likely scanned a QR code to pay for your spot.

However, you’ll want to be careful and double-check what you’re scanning, as the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office says it’s noticed some QR codes at parking spots linked to scammers.

In a video example, PCSO explains that scammers are creating stickers of their own QR code and placing them on top of the actual QR code you would scan to park.

The scammer’s code will take you to a different website where they will take your personal info, such as your debit or credit card. Additionally, this leaves your actual parking fee unpaid, which could lead to other consequences.

“They hope you won’t question whether it took you to the correct site and just enter your card info,” a deputy said.


How to protect myself from QR code scams

PCSO recommends looking really closely at the QR code you are about to scan to make sure there is no sticker placed on top.

However, if you do happen to scan one, here are things you can look for to make sure you’re on the correct website:

Bad grammarMisspelled wordsIncorrect URLsShoddy design 

Additionally, to avoid possibly scanning a scam QR code, you can use the parking meter’s specific mobile app to pay the correct fee from your phone, such as ParkMobile.

“We aren’t saying never scan a QR code, we’re just saying double-check that it isn’t a sticker first,” the deputy explained.