Toronto police are alerting the public about a new scam involving fake QR codes placed on on-street parking meters. These fraudulent codes direct drivers to fake payment websites designed to steal personal and financial information. The scam has emerged as the City of Toronto considers phasing out its 2,700 on-street meters in favor of mobile app payments.
How the Scam Works
Scammers affix stickers or decals with QR codes over the legitimate ones on parking meters. When drivers scan the code, they are taken to a convincing but fake payment portal. Once there, victims enter credit card details and other sensitive data, which are then harvested by criminals. Police urge drivers to use only the official payment app or inspect meters carefully before scanning.
City's Response
The City of Toronto is reviewing whether to retain its aging parking meters as app usage surges. A spokesperson stated that meter maintenance is costly and that digital payments offer greater convenience and security. However, the rise of QR code scams adds urgency to the transition. The city advises users to download the official parking app from reputable app stores and avoid scanning unknown codes.
What Drivers Should Do
- Always use the official Toronto parking app for payments.
- If using a meter, inspect the QR code area for signs of tampering, such as stickers placed over the original code.
- Report any suspicious meters to police or the city's parking authority.
- Monitor bank statements for unauthorized transactions if you suspect you've been scammed.
Broader Implications
This incident highlights the growing risk of QR code scams, which have become more common as contactless payments proliferate. Experts advise consumers to verify the source of any QR code before scanning, especially in public spaces. The Toronto scam is part of a wider trend seen in other cities, prompting calls for standardized security measures on public payment terminals.
Police have not yet announced any arrests but are investigating. They remind the public that legitimate parking payment methods do not require scanning a QR code; the official app and coin or card payments at the meter are the only authorized options.
