Bogus QR Codes Plastered on Denver Parking Meters Linked to Overseas Scam
Denver parking meters are being targeted in a coordinated QR code scam that has tricked unsuspecting drivers into handing over sensitive information. The bogus QR stickers were spotted along South Broadway and in the Golden Triangle, mimicking legitimate PayByPhone signage. Instead of taking users to a verified payment portal, the stickers directed scanners to a fake website based in Cape Verde, complete with payment options in euros and suspicious formatting.
The Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) removed the QR stickers after being alerted by a TV news crew, though records show a local resident had reported the issue via Denver’s 311 portal days earlier. DOTI says the delay was due to processing time within its small staff, but it now plans to prioritize such complaints and train workers to detect fraudulent codes during routine checks.
The phony website collects names, license plate numbers, phone numbers, and credit card data while posing as a legitimate payment platform. Experts warn the scam plays on urgency and fear—emotions common when trying to avoid a parking ticket. MSU Denver cybersecurity professor Steve Beaty calls it a case of “brazen social engineering.”
DOTI officials stress that the city never uses QR codes directly on meters to collect payments. Official codes, if used at all, are found on overhead signs and only direct users to download the official app.
If you’ve interacted with one of these suspicious codes, contact your bank, consider freezing your credit, and monitor for unusual activity. For added security, always inspect QR codes before scanning and avoid clicking through shortened URLs that can’t be verified.
🚫 Avoid QR Sticker Scams:
✔️ Use the meter or official app directly
✔️ Inspect QR codes for tampering or stickers
✔️ Check for odd URLs or foreign domains
📌 Learn more about the official PayByPhone app at: https://paybyphone.com
