ANN ARBOR, Mich. (WXYZ) — Ann Arbor police are warning drivers about a new scam involving fake QR code stickers placed on parking meters in the downtown area.
The stickers, labeled with phrases such as "Scan to Park!" and "Park AA," appear to offer a convenient way to pay for parking. However, police say the QR codes are fraudulent and could direct users to scam websites designed to capture personal or financial information.
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University of Michigan students say they would be cautious about scanning unfamiliar QR codes but worry older relatives could be more vulnerable.
"This is my grandma. She actually is the one prone to scams," said freshman Landon Johns. "We were just talking about this on the way here."
His grandmother, Patti Johns, agreed.
"I would be the one to scan it, and then some hackers will get me like they did in Alabama," she said.
Other students said internet safety awareness helps them identify potential scams but acknowledged some family members might still fall victim.
"I definitely wouldn't scan it, 'cause also we kind of learn about Internet safety, like, don't scan, but for a parent, I'm speaking to my dad, like, what would he do? He might scan it," said Sophomore Gabrielle Murphy.
While at a downtown parking meter on East William Street, a city parking employee removed one of the fake stickers. The worker said employees have been instructed to inspect meters and collect any suspicious QR code stickers they find.
The sticker was located near Coratti's Pizzeria, where owner Pete Coratti said he wants customers to have a positive experience when visiting downtown.
"Well, I think it's crazy," Coratti said. "I don't want people to be taken advantage of, so I want to be aware of what people are doing."
Police recommend residents and visitors take the following precautions if they encounter a suspicious QR code sticker on a parking meter:
• Do not scan the QR code.
• Use official payment methods, including authorized apps, websites or kiosks.
• Report suspicious stickers to police.
Authorities say taking a few extra seconds to verify a payment method could help prevent identity theft, financial loss, and other scam-related issues.
