The popular resort municipality of Whistler is alerting residents and visitors to a deceptive parking payment scam discovered over the weekend. Municipal bylaw officers found fraudulent QR code stickers placed on pay stations and signs in several key parking areas.
Where the Fake Codes Were Found
The counterfeit stickers were discovered on Saturday, December 30, 2025. Bylaw staff identified them at multiple high-traffic locations, including Whistler day lots 1 through 5 in the Village core, municipal parking areas along Main Street, and the private Marketplace parking lot off Lorimer Road.
The fraudulent codes closely imitated legitimate PayByPhone payment signs. When unsuspecting drivers scanned them, they were directed to a sophisticated fake website designed to steal their payment information. "We believe the payment would have gone to the perpetrators of this fraud," stated the municipality in a news release issued on Monday.
Short-Lived Scam and Official Response
Officials believe the scam was operational for only a brief period. All fraudulent stickers were removed by Sunday morning. The incident has been reported to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) for investigation. As of now, no victims have been officially identified, but authorities urge vigilance.
It is crucial for the public to know that the Resort Municipality of Whistler does not use QR codes for parking payment. This fact is a key red flag for identifying the scam.
How to Pay for Parking Safely in Whistler
To avoid falling victim, drivers should use only the official payment methods sanctioned by the municipality. Legitimate ways to pay for parking in Whistler's day lots, on Main Street, and other municipal areas include:
- Using coins or a credit card at the physical pay stations.
- Using the official PayByPhone mobile app.
- Visiting the official PayByPhone website directly.
- Calling the official PayByPhone number: 1-866-234-7275.
The municipality noted that PayByPhone, the company contracted to collect payments, actively monitors for and shuts down fraudulent websites mimicking its service.
What to Do If You Scanned a Fake Code
Anyone who may have scanned one of the fraudulent QR codes and entered payment details is advised to contact their credit card company or bank immediately to report the potential fraud and monitor for unauthorized transactions.
Additionally, the municipality stated that anyone who believes they paid for parking but still received a ticket can dispute it online through the official Whistler website.
This incident mirrors a similar warning issued by the City of Vancouver in mid-December 2025, where fake QR code stickers were also found on parking meters leading to a counterfeit PayByPhone site. Like Whistler, Vancouver does not utilize QR codes for parking payments.
