TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa police are urging residents to stay aware of fake QR code stickers around the city that could scam you this holiday season.
The department says stickers have been found on parking lot payment stations in Ybor City and placed over the ParkMobile logo. They say QR codes are not used at those stations for payment.
The fraud QR codes are part of a scam technique called "squishing," which can redirect users to websites designed to steal personal information or facilitate unauthorized transactions.
TPD recommends following these tips to avoid QR codes and other 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).
"During the holiday season, we see an increase in various scams targeting our community," 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."
Tampa police are asking anyone who sees or believes they scanned suspicious QR codes to contact them at (813) 231-6130.
