The scam works in a surprisingly simple but effective way: fraudsters cover official QR codes on parking meters with nearly identical stickers that feature malicious codes. When scanned, the QR code does not lead to the authorized parking service’s payment portal but instead sends users to a counterfeit site. These phishing websites often look nearly identical to legitimate services, making them difficult to identify as fraudulent. Once there, victims are prompted to enter personal data that can later be misused to withdraw funds or commit identity theft.
Recent reports have confirmed the presence of such manipulated QR codes on parking infrastructure in multiple cities, and similar schemes have also been spotted on electric vehicle charging stations. In one documented case, a victim unknowingly lost a four-figure amount after entering their payment information on a fake page. According to police authorities in Lower Saxony, Germany—where the scam has seen a surge—this type of attack is rapidly spreading and becoming a nationwide concern.
Unlike phishing emails, which are often flagged by security software, QR codes are processed as images and generally bypass traditional cybersecurity defenses. This makes “quishing” harder to detect and potentially more dangerous, especially for users with outdated smartphone software. Because these scams exploit visual deception and technical limitations, the responsibility often falls on users to scrutinize QR codes closely before scanning.
Experts recommend taking a few precautions to stay safe. First, inspect the QR code on the meter to ensure it hasn’t been tampered with or covered by a sticker. If anything appears off, avoid scanning it. For added security, users should download the official parking service app from an app store and enter location details manually. Using third-party QR code scanner apps that reveal the destination URL before opening it can also help prevent falling for a fake link.
Anyone who believes they may have been scammed should act immediately by contacting their bank to block the card, reporting the incident to local authorities, and monitoring accounts for unauthorized activity. Law enforcement is urging users to stay alert as these scams become more common, especially in urban areas where mobile parking and EV charging stations are widely used.
