The City of Mississauga has issued a warning to residents and visitors about fraudulent QR codes being placed on parking machines in the downtown area. These fake codes are designed to trick individuals into providing payment information, which can then be used for identity theft or unauthorized transactions.
How the Scam Works
Scammers have been observed placing stickers with QR codes over legitimate payment instructions on parking meters and pay stations. When scanned, the codes redirect users to a fake payment website that mimics the official city portal. Unsuspecting users may enter their credit card details, which are then captured by the scammers.
City's Response
City officials have increased patrols and are inspecting all parking machines to remove any tampered stickers. They are also working with law enforcement to identify the perpetrators. Residents are advised to only use the official mobile app or the city's website for parking payments.
What to Do If You Encounter a Suspicious Code
- Do not scan any QR code that appears to be a sticker or looks out of place.
- Report any suspicious stickers to the city's parking enforcement or call 3-1-1.
- If you have already scanned a code and entered payment information, contact your bank immediately to report potential fraud.
The city emphasizes that legitimate QR codes are integrated into the machine's display and are not removable stickers. They also remind the public that parking payments can be made via the official ParkMobile app or through the city's website.
This incident is part of a growing trend of QR code scams, known as "quishing," which have been reported in various cities worldwide. Authorities advise always verifying the source before scanning any QR code, especially those related to financial transactions.
