Fake QR code stickers on downtown Ann Arbor parking meters are directing drivers to a fraudulent website designed to steal payment information, the Ann Arbor Police Department warned in an Oct. 1 Facebook alert.
The fraudulent stickers have been found on several ePark machines, primarily near the Maynard Street parking structure, according to MLive. Police said the QR codes lead to a website designed to capture personal and financial data from anyone who scans them.
The stickers carry phrases like "Scan to Park!" and "Park AA," mimicking legitimate payment options, WXYZ reported.
The total number of affected meters has not been disclosed. No confirmed reports of financial losses have surfaced, and no arrests have been announced.
City workers pulling stickers off meters
On East William Street near Coratti's Pizzeria, a city parking employee was seen removing one of the fake stickers from a meter during WXYZ's reporting visit. The worker said employees have been instructed to inspect meters across downtown and collect any suspicious stickers they find.
Pete Coratti, owner of the nearby pizzeria, told WXYZ: "Well, I think it's crazy. I don't want people to be taken advantage of, so I want to be aware of what people are doing."
Police advised drivers not to scan unfamiliar or suspicious QR-code stickers and instead use official payment methods.
What drivers should do
The AAPD said drivers should never scan an unfamiliar QR code sticker on a parking meter. The city's official payment options are:
- The website eparka2.com
- The official ePark mobile app
- On-street pay station kiosks
Anyone who spots a suspicious sticker can report it to the AAPD front desk at 734-794-6920 or by emailing [email protected].
