Technology
Beware of the new sneaky parking QR code scam
Ever scanned a QR code to pay for parking and thought, “Wow, that was easy?”
Well, hold onto your smartphones because we’re about to tell you about a sneaky new scam that’s giving parkers everywhere a major headache.
You might think you’re pretty sharp when it comes to spotting online trickery, but these fraudsters are seriously upping their game with QR codes.
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Illustration of fraudulent QR code and website (Redondo Beach Police)
QR codes: From convenience to con
Remember when QR codes were just those funky square patterns you’d see on product packaging? Well, they’ve come a long way, baby. These days, they’re everywhere — from restaurant menus to, you guessed it, parking meters. But while they’ve made our lives easier, they’ve also opened up a new avenue for scammers to exploit.
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Fraudulent QR code (Redondo Beach Police)
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The scam in action
Picture this. You’re headed to the beautiful beaches of Redondo, California. You find a spot, stroll up to the meter and see a QR code for easy payment. Convenient, right? Not so fast. In a brazen move, scammers plastered fake QR codes on about 150 parking meters along the Esplanade and Riviera Village area. These phony codes were strategically placed right next to the legitimate ParkMobile and PayByPhone labels. Talk about hiding in plain sight.
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Head down the coast to San Clemente, and you’ll find a similar story. One unsuspecting driver fell victim to this digital deception. He scanned what he thought was a legitimate code, only to find himself on a fraudulent website. Within minutes, his wife’s credit card company was calling about unauthorized charges. Talk about a parking nightmare.
This scam isn’t isolated to California. Law enforcement agencies across the country are reporting similar scams, now dubbed “quishing” (QR code phishing). These scams typically target high-traffic areas and aim to collect personal and financial information from unsuspecting victims.
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Images of ParkMobile and PayByPhone apps (Redondo Beach Police)
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How the scam works
These scammers are using QR code technology to pull off their tricks. Here’s their playbook:
The fake sticker: The scammers create QR code stickers that look just like the real deal.
The lookalike URL: The crooks set up websites with names eerily similar to legitimate parking payment sites. For example, PoyByPhone instead of PayByPhone. Spot the difference? It’s not easy.
The data grab: Once you’re on the scammer’s site, they ask for your location and payment info, just like a real parking app would.
The quick getaway: With your data in hand, the thieves start making unauthorized charges faster than you can say “parking ticket.”
Park and pay station (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
PROTECT YOURSELF FROM TECH SUPPORT SCAMS
How to protect yourself
1. Scrutinize the URL: Before entering any information, carefully examine the web address for any irregularities or misspellings.
2. Use official apps: Whenever possible, use the official city parking app instead of scanning QR codes.
3. Inspect for tampering: Be wary of QR codes that appear to be afterthoughts or look like they’ve been added on top of existing signage.
4. Consider alternative payment methods: Sometimes, using coins or a credit card directly at the meter is the safest option.
5. Keep your device updated: Regularly update your phone’s operating system and security software to protect against the latest threats.
6. Avoid public Wi-Fi for payments: Public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured, making them prime hunting grounds for cybercriminals. When making parking payments, use your cellular data connection instead. Remember, it’s better to use a bit more mobile data than to risk your financial information falling into the wrong hands. If you must use public Wi-Fi, consider using a VPN to encrypt your connection and protect your data from potential hackers. For best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices.
7. Be wary of unsolicited messages: Ignore links sent via email, text or social media claiming to be for parking payments. Instead, manually enter the official parking website or use the city’s app.
8. Use secure scanning methods: Your smartphone’s built-in camera is typically sufficient for scanning QR codes. Avoid downloading third-party QR code scanning apps, which could potentially contain malware.
9. Verify payment requests: If you receive a QR code for payment via email, don’t rush to pay. Contact the company directly through their official channels to confirm the request.
10. Don’t click on suspicious links: Be cautious about clicking on any links that appear in emails, texts or social media messages regarding parking payments. Scammers often use these methods to direct you to fake websites that may look legitimate but are designed to steal your personal and financial information.
The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices.
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What to do if you’ve been scammed
If you think you’ve fallen victim to a QR code con, don’t panic. Here’s your action plan:
Contact your bank: Immediately call your credit card company or bank to report the fraud and freeze your accounts.
File a report: Contact your local police department.
Alert the FTC: File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov/complaint.
Monitor your credit: Keep a close eye on your credit reports for any suspicious activity.
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Kurt’s key takeaways
Remember, scammers are constantly evolving their tactics, but so are the good guys. By staying informed and using a healthy dose of skepticism, you can enjoy the convenience of digital payments without falling victim to these parking predators. So, the next time you’re out and about looking for a parking spot, keep these tips in mind, and don’t let the scammers take you for a ride.
In your opinion, how can cities better protect residents and visitors from scams like these? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact
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OpenAI announced yet another reorganization Friday, consolidating certain areas and making company president Greg Brockman the official lead of all things product.
In a memo viewed by The Verge, Brockman wrote that since OpenAI’s product strategy for this year is to go all-in on AI agents, the company is combining its products to “invest in a single agentic platform and to merge ChatGPT and Codex into one unified agentic experience for all.”
To do this, the company is making a suite of org chart changes, although it’s still operating under some of the same ones from last month. That’s when AGI boss Fidji Simo went on medical leave and OpenAI announced that Brockman would be in charge of product strategy and CSO Jason Kwon, CFO Sarah Friar, and CRO Denise Dresser would take control of business operations.
It’s all part of OpenAI’s recent strategic shift to focus on key revenue drivers like coding and enterprise and stop pouring resources into “side quests” ahead of its potential IPO later this year and amid investor pressure to turn a profit.
In Simo’s continued absence, Brockman’s role leading product strategy is now official, as well as the company’s “scaling” arm. Under Brockman will be four different pillars. The first is core product and platform, led by Thibault Sottiaux, who has been OpenAI’s engineering lead for Codex, and the second is critical enterprise industries, led by ChatGPT head Nick Turley. Third is the consumer pillar, such as health, commerce, and personal finance, which will be led by Ashley Alexander, who has been its healthcare products VP. The fourth pillar — core infrastructure, ads, data science, and growth — will be led by Vijaye Raji, who has been OpenAI’s CTO of applications.
Brockman wrote in the memo that OpenAI’s goal is now to “bring agents to ChatGPT scale, in order to give individuals and organizations significantly more value and utility from our products.”
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You’re going about your day when your phone buzzes. A text hits your phone. It looks official. It sounds urgent. And suddenly, you are being told you owe money for a traffic violation. That is exactly what Todd from Texas experienced. He emailed us and said:
“I received this text message today. It was so baffling because I haven’t lived in California for nearly a decade. I didn’t click on anything or respond. How can I tell if this is for real or if this is a scam?”
If you’ve gotten a message like this, you are not alone. This type of scam is spreading fast, and it is designed to pressure you into acting before you think. Let’s break down what is really going on.
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This message may look official, but several red flags show it is likely a scam designed to pressure you into paying quickly. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
What the traffic ticket scam text looks like
At first, the message seems convincing. It claims to be a “final reminder” from the California DMV, and it warns of penalties like license suspension and added fees. It even includes a link that appears somewhat official. However, once you slow down and take a closer look, the red flags quickly start to pile up.
The biggest red flags in this message
Here are the key warning signs to watch for in messages like this.
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1) The phone number makes no sense
The message comes from a number with a +63 country code. That is the Philippines, not California. Government agencies in the U.S. do not send official legal notices from international numbers. That alone is a major warning sign.
2) No name, just “Dear Driver”
Legitimate notices from a DMV or court almost always include your full name or at least some identifying information. “Dear Driver” is vague on purpose. It allows scammers to send the same message to thousands of people.
3) The link isn’t a real DMV website
The message includes this link:
ca.mnvtl.life/dmv
That isn’t a government domain. Official DMV websites in California use “.ca.gov” or similar trusted domains. Scammers often create lookalike links to trick you into clicking.
4) Urgency and threats
The message pushes you to act quickly with a deadline. It lists consequences like license suspension and extra charges. Scammers rely on fear. When you feel rushed, you are more likely to click without thinking.
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5) Asking you to reply to proceed
The text says to reply with “Y” to get instructions. That is another trap. Responding confirms your number is active, which can lead to more scam messages.
6) Generic language and odd phrasing
Parts of the message feel slightly off. The tone is formal but not quite right. That subtle awkwardness is common in scam messages sent to large groups of people.
7) Overloaded threats designed to scare you
The message piles on consequences like license suspension, added fees, court action and even credit damage. In this case, it even mentions a license suspension and a $160 late payment charge. That combination is meant to overwhelm you and push you to act fast. Real agencies usually provide clear, specific notices, not a long list of escalating threats in a single text.
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Scam texts like this often arrive out of nowhere and try to create urgency before you have time to question them. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
What this means for you
Even if you have never driven in California, you could still receive this message. Scammers cast a wide net and hope someone takes the bait. If you click the link, you could be taken to a fake payment page. That page may ask for your credit card details, personal information or login credentials. In some cases, it can also install malware on your device or redirect you to credential-stealing pages. This isn’t about a ticket. It is about getting your data. State DMVs typically do not send final legal notices or payment demands by text message.
Why these scams keep working
These messages work because they tap into something most people fear. Legal trouble, fines and losing driving privileges. They also look just real enough to pass a quick glance. That is all scammers need. As more services move online, these scams will continue to evolve.
Unlike typical DMV scams, this message impersonates a court and escalates the threats to make the situation feel more serious (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Ways to stay safe from traffic ticket text scams
Start with a simple rule. Never trust a payment request that shows up out of nowhere. Here are practical steps you can take:
1) Do not click the link
If you are unsure, do not tap anything in the message. That includes links and reply options.
2) Use strong antivirus software
If you accidentally click a link, strong antivirus software can help detect malware and protect your data. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com
3) Verify directly with the DMV
Go to your state’s official DMV website by typing it yourself into your browser. Do not use the link in the text.
4) Check the sender carefully
Look at the phone number. International numbers or random strings are a clear warning sign.
5) Ignore generic greetings
Real notices will usually include your name or case details. Vague language is a red flag.
6) Consider a data removal service
Scammers often get your number from data broker sites. Removing your personal info from those databases with a data removal service can reduce these messages. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com
7) Block and report the number
On your phone, block the sender and report it as spam. This helps reduce future attempts.
8) Turn on spam filtering
Enable spam filtering on your phone or through your carrier to catch more of these messages before they reach you.
Kurt’s key takeaways
Todd did the right thing. He paused, questioned the message and did not click. That one decision likely saved him from handing over personal information. When it comes to messages like this, skepticism is your best defense. If something feels off, trust that instinct.
Should phone carriers and tech companies be doing more to block scams like this before you ever see them? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com
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Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
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