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April 10, 2026
The "Park & Pay" Trap: Why Central Ohioans Should Think Twice Before Scanning
You’ve found a rare parking spot near a busy local park or a popular patio. You see a QR code on a sticker that says “View Menu.” It looks official, it’s convenient, but before you aim your camera, you might be walking into a "Quishing" (QR Phishing) trap.
Scammers put fake QR code stickers on meters and public charging stations. If you scan them, they send you to a realistic, AI-made website to steal your credit card details.
How to spot a fake code:
- The Feel Test: Run your finger over the code; if it's a peeling sticker placed over the real one, walk away.
- The Link Check: Look at the link on your phone before you click it. Make sure it goes to an official site, not a suspicious one.
- Use the App: If you park in the area often, use the official parking app directly instead of scanning the code on the street.
At the Buckeye Sentinel, we are watching these digital threats that are happening right on your street. Inspect the code before you scan, your bank account will thank you.