Scam Warning: Fake QR Codes Found On Parking Meters In Redondo Beach

REDONDO BEACH, CA — Police in Redondo Beach discovered scam QR codes on parking meters in the city aimed at tricking residents and visitors into submitting their payment information to scam websites for parking.

The fraudulent QR codes were found on approximately 150 meters along the Esplanade and in the Riviera Village area. Fake QR code stickers were placed adjacent to the official labels on parking meters.

The Redondo Beach Police Department said the codes lead to a website called "poybyphone" that mimics the two companies officially contracted by the city — ParkMobile and PayByPhone. ParkMobile uses a legitimate QR code that redirects users to the app, and PayByPhone redirects users to its website.

"The Redondo Beach Police Department inspected all of the parking meters in the City and removed all of the fraudulent QR codes that were located," RBPD said in a statement.

When paying for parking, people should look out for misspelled URLs to avoid paying on the fraudulent website. To ensure people don't follow fraudulent links, it is recommended people download the official PayByPhone and ParkMobile apps.

According to police, it's possible that people who paid for parking on the scam website still received parking citations. Anyone who believes they were defrauded was urged to contact RBPD at 310-379-2477 to file a report.

Additional information to contest parking citations can be found on the city's website.

"For official parking payments, visitors should continue to use the payment options available directly on the meters or through the City's authorized mobile payment app," RBPD said.

To report suspicious activity or provide additional information about the people responsible for posting the QR codes please contact RBPD at 310-379-2477 ext. 3652.