Local authorities are alerting the public after numerous fake QR code stickers were discovered on parking meters in downtown Orlando.

According to the Orlando Police Department, parking enforcement officials recovered roughly 200 fake QR code stickers that were on parking meters throughout the downtown area.

OPD stated that “unknown suspects have been placing fraudulent QR codes over the legitimate QR codes on the parking meter(s).” These counterfeit codes, which are designed to look legitimate, redirect the user’s device to a fraudulent website where their personal information can be stolen.

downtown Orlando parking meter photo by Orlando Police Dept officer pointing at legitimate QR code, printed direclty on the sticker and has a green background
An OPD officer pointing at a legitimate QR code, which is black and printed directly on the green background. On the other parking meter to the left, a fraudulent white QR code sticker was placed over the legitimate QR code. (Photo: Orlando Police Department)

When parking in downtown Orlando, police recommend that you take the following precautions to protect your information and avoid unauthorized payments:

  • Inspect QR codes for tampering, such as a sticker being placed over the actual QR code.
  • Avoid scanning codes that look suspicious or damaged.
  • When possible, use official parking apps or payment methods rather than scanning codes directly from the meter.

Anyone who comes across a suspicious QR code in downtown Orlando should contact the Orlando Police Department at 321-235-5300.