TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Tampa police are warning the community about a scam that targets people looking to use mobile payment methods in city parking lots.
Fake QR code stickers have been spotted on payment stations in Ybor City parking lots. Scammers are trying to get people to scan them, which directs them to a fraudulent website where their personal information could be stolen.
Anyone who encounters suspicious QR codes or believes they may have scanned a fraudulent one is asked to report it immediately to the Tampa Police Department’s non-emergency line at (813) 231-6130.
“During the holiday season, we see an increase in various scams targeting our community,” Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw said in a statement. “We encourage everyone to stay vigilant and follow a few simple steps to protect themselves from scammers this time of year.”
The Tampa Police Department’s Fraud Unit recommends the following tips to avoid falling victim to QR code or online shopping scams:
- Be Suspicious: Avoid scanning QR codes in unexpected locations, such as public walls, flyers, or over existing payment stations. Be cautious of fake sellers or websites that are only looking to steal your credit card information.
- Verify the URL: Always shop from trusted and verified retailers and double-check URLs to ensure you’re on the official site. Malicious URLs often mimic legitimate ones but may contain typos or misplaced letters.
- Use Trusted App Stores: Avoid downloading apps via QR codes. Instead, use your phone’s app store to ensure a safe download.
- Avoid Payments via QR Codes: Whenever possible, manually enter the official URL for payment to ensure a secure transaction.
- Preview URLs: Most smartphones allow users to preview the destination URL before scanning a QR code. Use this feature to verify the site.
- Keep Software Updated: Regular updates for your smartphone and apps include security enhancements that help protect against scams.
- Report Scams: Victims of QR code fraud should report incidents to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
