Fake QR Code Stickers Found on Raleigh On-Street Parking Meters

On January 5, 2026, city staff identified unauthorized QR-code stickers affixed to on-street parking meters in downtown Raleigh that bore the instruction "Scan Here To Pay For Parking." Officials said the codes are believed to direct motorists to malicious or spoofed payment pages that could capture personal or financial information, prompting a citywide inspection and removal effort.

Since the discovery, Raleigh Parking staff have been inspecting meters across the downtown area and removing the unauthorized stickers. The department asked the public to report suspicious meter signage or other concerns by calling 919-996-3996. City officials emphasized that routine on-street meter payments in Raleigh are not processed via QR codes; the municipal QR codes are used only for parking citations and inside parking garages, not for standard curbside transactions.

For motorists, the incident highlights a practical cybersecurity risk tied to everyday transactions. Drivers who normally pay at the meter are advised to use the meter's built-in payment options or the official Passport parking app rather than scanning unexpected QR codes. Residents who believe they may have entered personal or financial information on a spoofed payment page should monitor bank and credit card accounts closely and contact their financial institution if they see unfamiliar charges.

Local business owners and workers who depend on short-term parking in downtown Raleigh face both an immediate inconvenience and a potential reputational concern if customers are targeted while visiting their establishments. The city's removal campaign aims to restore confidence in downtown parking systems ahead of regular weekday activity and weekend events that bring higher foot traffic.

The use of QR codes in payments has expanded globally in recent years, and security experts warn that bad actors sometimes exploit that familiarity by placing look-alike codes on public infrastructure. Raleigh's quick response and public guidance are intended to reduce the chance of further incidents and to remind drivers to use official payment channels. Residents spotting suspicious stickers should report them to Raleigh Parking at 919-996-3996 so staff can remove them and investigate.