Beware of Fake QR Codes on Ottawa Parking Machines

The City of Ottawa has issued a warning to residents about a new scam involving fake QR codes being attached to parking meters across the city. These fraudulent codes are designed to redirect unsuspecting users to a phony payment website, posing a significant risk to personal and financial information.

Understanding the Scam

Scott Caldwell, manager of parking services in Ottawa, reported that city staff discovered these misleading QR code stickers on 51 out of 616 active parking machines earlier this week. The problem was quickly addressed, and the stickers have since been removed. These QR codes, when scanned with a smartphone, took users to a deceptive version of the PayByPhone website, a service typically used for parking payments.

Importantly, the City of Ottawa emphasizes that they do not use QR codes on their Pay & Display machines, advising residents to avoid scanning any such codes they encounter on parking equipment.

How to Protect Yourself

Both the City of Ottawa and local police urge residents to practice caution with QR codes in public spaces, especially those affixed to parking devices. Here are some tips to help protect yourself:

• Always inspect QR codes for signs of tampering. If it looks like a sticker or appears suspicious in any way, do not scan it.
• If you come across a QR code on a parking machine, contact Ottawa By-law Services or the parking lot management to verify its legitimacy.
• Consider using official channels for parking payments, such as approved apps or direct card payments, to reduce the risk of scams.

Actions to Take if Scammed

If you suspect that you have fallen victim to this QR code scam, it is crucial to take immediate action. Start by contacting your credit card company to report possible fraudulent activity. Additionally, reach out to the Ottawa police to file a report and potentially prevent others from encountering the same issue.

Stay Informed

The use of QR codes in scams is not a new phenomenon, and similar reports have been made in the past. It's essential to remain vigilant and informed about such threats. By staying cautious and following recommended safety practices, you can protect yourself against these and other types of digital fraud.

For individuals who frequently use QR codes, consider utilizing a reputable QR code generator to create your own codes for personal or business use. This ensures that you are using secure and trustworthy codes.

Conclusion

As technology continues to evolve, so do the methods employed by scammers. The City of Ottawa's recent warning serves as a reminder to stay aware of potential threats in our everyday activities. By exercising caution and seeking verification when in doubt, residents can mitigate the risk of falling prey to such scams.