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New Hampshire Banking Department · NH

Federal Trade Commission issues Consumer Alert regarding fake QR parking codes

September 3, 2026

Summary

The FTC issued a consumer alert warning that scammers are replacing legitimate QR codes on parking meters with fake codes that lead to phishing sites designed to steal money and personal information. The advisory instructs consumers to inspect URLs before clicking, update device software, use strong passwords, and report suspected fraud to the FTC. For mortgage entities, this is a cybersecurity awareness item reinforcing that staff and customers should treat unsolicited QR codes as a potential phishing vector.

AI-generated summary · Sep 8, 2026. Verify with your compliance counsel before acting.

How this was generated

We record the exact prompt, model, and output for every AI response so it can be audited for accuracy.

From the Federal Trade Commission:

Ever tried to pay for parking and discovered you need to scan a QR code to pay? It seems like a convenient way to pay, but it turns out scammers like using QR codes, too. People have reported scammers covering up legit QR codes on parking meters with a QR code of their own. If you scan that scammy QR code, it could take you to a fake site designed to steal your money, your personal information, or both. So, how can you protect yourself from these scams?

Follow these steps:

  • Inspect the URL link. Many QR readers preview the link they will send you to. Make sure there are no spelling mistakes or switched letters in the link before you click
  • Protect your phone. Update your phone's operating system (OS) and apps to help prevent scammy links from turning into a hack. Apple Support: Update your iPhone or iPad. Android Help: Check & update your Android version
  • Use strong passwords for your accounts. Protect your online accounts with strong passwords and multi-factor authentication.

Think you scanned a bad QR code? Follow these steps:

  • Don’t interact with the scammer: If you reach out to someone through the website you think is fake, they may try to get money or sensitive information out of you
  • Change your password: If you entered credentials like your username or password, immediately change them wherever you use the same password for other accounts
  • Review your transactions: Check your credit card and bank statements to spot transactions you didn’t make

Then, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Source: https://www.banking.nh.gov/news-and-media/federal-trade-commission-issues-consumer-alert-regarding-fake-qr-parking-codes

Common questions

What does "Federal Trade Commission issues Consumer Alert regarding fake QR parking codes" cover?
The FTC issued a consumer alert warning that scammers are replacing legitimate QR codes on parking meters with fake codes that lead to phishing sites…
Which agency issued this update?
This update was issued by New Hampshire Banking Department.
When was it published?
It was published on September 3, 2026.

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