Beware Of Parking Payment Scam Targeting Manhattan Beach, Police Warn

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA — Officials in Manhattan Beach are warning residents and visitors to beware of scam QR codes popping up around the city's parking meters and pay stations.

The scam, which has been seen around the Los Angeles region since at least last year, entails using a fake QR code to lure people into submitting their financial information into a fake website.

"If you encounter any QR codes offering parking payment, please be cautious — they are not authorized by the city," Manhattan Beach officials said in a statement Tuesday morning. "Scammers may attempt to trick you into making fraudulent payments."

Neighboring Redondo Beach experienced the same issue late last year, with police finding roughly 150 parking meters with fake QR code stickers. This resulted in the Redondo Beach Police Department inspecting all the city's parking meters to remove the fake codes.

Manhattan Beach officials urge anyone looking to pay for parking to use one of the official payment methods located on their parking meters and pay stations.

Anyone who believes they've encountered a parking scam can contact local authorities at 310-802-5140 or submit a service request form.