City Alert: Fake QR Code Scam Targets Parking Machines

Recently, a scam involving fraudulent QR code stickers has been discovered on parking machines throughout Ottawa, prompting a warning from city officials. The scam was first reported on November 3, and since then, city workers have removed the fake stickers from 51 out of 616 Pay & Display parking machines across the city.

Potential Risks of Scanning Fake QR Codes

The fake QR codes, when scanned, redirect unsuspecting users to a counterfeit version of the PayByPhone website. This fraudulent site could potentially capture users' credit card information if they attempt to make payments. The city has advised residents to avoid scanning QR codes on these parking machines altogether, as legitimate machines do not have this feature.

Scott Caldwell, manager of parking services, emphasized that QR codes are not a legitimate feature on city parking machines. Residents are urged to remain cautious and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

Previous Incidents and Ongoing Precautions

This is not the first instance of such scams in Ottawa. Last summer, fake QR codes were reported in the Rideau Street, ByWard Market, and Vanier areas, leading users to a fraudulent site cleverly disguised with a URL similar to the legitimate one, but with a subtle misspelling as "poybyphone" instead of "paybyphone".

Ottawa police have reiterated the importance of vigilance when using electronic payment methods. While no specific locations of these fraudulent QR codes have been reported recently, the potential for phishing scams remains a concern. Residents are advised to inspect any QR code they encounter carefully. If a QR code seems suspicious or appears to be on a sticker, it should not be scanned.

What to Do If You Suspect Fraud

If you believe you may have scanned a fraudulent QR code, it is crucial to verify your credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions and immediately contact your card provider. Additionally, reporting the incident to Ottawa police can help prevent further occurrences.

Steps to Protect Yourself

• Avoid scanning QR codes on parking machines unless they are verified.
• Inspect QR codes for signs of tampering or unauthorized placement.
• Always check the URL of a website before entering personal information.

For those using parking services, it's advisable to access official payment portals directly rather than through QR codes. Using a known, reliable QR code generator can help verify the authenticity of codes you create or encounter in controlled settings.

Staying Informed

The city encourages residents to stay updated on local news and alerts. By subscribing to city newsletters or regularly checking municipal websites, you can receive timely information on scams and safety advice. Working together, the community can reduce the impact of such fraudulent activities and ensure the safety of all residents.

As these scams can occur unexpectedly, remaining informed and cautious is key to protecting yourself and your financial information. Let's work together to keep Ottawa safe from such cyber threats.