Drivers, beware! According to a transportation advisory issued on Friday, there is a new parking meter scam on NYC streets involving criminals looking to steal your money.
The NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) told drivers on June 6 about a parking-meter scam infiltrating ParkNYC meters, which are found on city streets and municipal parking lots. The scam aims to get credit card information from unsuspecting parkers.
According to the DOT, at least one fraudulent sticker with a QR code was illegally placed on the side of a meter in the city, directing users to a third-party webpage asking for their credit card information. DOT did not say where in the city the stickered meter was located.
The agency is advising the public to avoid using and sharing payment information through the link. The only way to pay for metered parking in NYC is through the official ParkNYC app or on a physical ParkNYC parking meter.
Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez urged anyone who sees a QR code on a parking meter to tear it off and report it by calling 212-839-7100 or emailing parknyc@flowbirdapp.com.
“Consumers beware. Scammers are targeting parking meters, and we want you to be vigilant,” Rodriguez said. “If you see a QR code on a parking meter, do not scan it and please report it.”
The commissioner said police have been notified of the scam, and inspections are underway. DOT has begun a citywide inspection of all parking meters to remove any illegally placed messaging or markings.
Anyone who thinks they have been a victim of the scam should notify their bank or credit card company and report the crime to law enforcement.
