Mississauga Warns of Fraudulent QR Code Scam on Parking Machines
Mississauga QR code scam on parking machines prompts citywide warning to drivers
The City of Mississauga is warning residents and visitors to remain vigilant after discovering fraudulent QR code stickers placed on parking pay machines in the downtown area.
City officials say the scam, identified on April 22, involved unauthorized QR codes affixed to Pay and Display machines that redirected users to third-party payment websites not affiliated with the City. These sites are designed to capture personal and financial information from unsuspecting users.
City Removes Dozens of Fraudulent QR Codes
According to the City, staff responded within an hour of becoming aware of the issue, removing approximately 80 fraudulent QR code stickers from affected parking machines.
Crews were deployed across Mississauga to inspect all machines, and the City says it will continue monitoring equipment to prevent further incidents.
Officials emphasized that regular parking operations remain safe and unaffected.
How the Scam Works
Fraudulent QR codes are typically placed over existing signage or instructions on parking machines, encouraging users to scan and pay for parking through unofficial websites.
The City confirmed that QR codes are never used to process parking payments in Mississauga. Legitimate payment methods include:
- Coins
- Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express)
- Digital wallets such as Apple Pay or Google Wallet
Residents are advised to follow only the payment instructions displayed on the machine’s screen or official signage.
Warning Signs to Watch For
The City is urging the public to be cautious and look for red flags, including:
- QR code stickers placed on or near parking machines
- Prompts asking users to scan a code to pay for parking
- Websites with slight variations in spelling or domain names
- QR codes with unofficial or incomplete branding
Anyone who spots a suspicious QR code is encouraged to avoid scanning it and report it immediately by calling 311.
What to Do If You’ve Been Affected
Residents who may have scanned a fraudulent code or entered payment information are advised to:
- Contact their bank or credit card provider immediately
- Monitor accounts for suspicious activity
- Report the incident to the City through 311
- File a fraud report with Peel Regional Police at a local station
Peel Regional Police have also reminded the public that QR code scams are becoming increasingly common across Canada, including in cities such as Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and Vancouver.
City Reassurance
Mississauga officials stress that QR codes have never been a legitimate method of payment at City parking machines and that avoiding them ensures users remain protected.
The City says it will continue proactive inspections and rapid response measures to keep public infrastructure secure.
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