Fake QR parking codes are the latest scam: How to detect them

As technology evolves, so do scams. Related How cryptocurrency scams work James E. Lee, chief operating officer of the Identity Theft Resource Center, says that since the pandemic, people have relied on QR codes as a key part of touchless transactions. But, Lee says, “they have a built-in defense if they can prove the QR code has been compromised.” We need your help to stay independent Subscribe today to support Salon's progressive journalism I asked Lee if it should be up to the parking lots to keep their sites supervised—after all, if there were someone there, it would be more difficult to post a fake code. How to detect a fake QR code The first thing to look for is an obvious sticker pasted over the real one, or a janky sign posted next to the real payment portal. Make sure the website the QR code takes you to is real before entering any information.” Finally, Lee says, if something doesn’t pass the smell test, find another place to park.