I've had 2 instances of being directed elsewhere by QR codes at 2 different parking lots. I've been able to dispute the charges, one for $50.00 and another one for under $5.00. One was a straight out hack of my CC card and the other directed to a legit seeming site. I read some QR codes are stickers placed over legit ones, avoid them if you can unless you know they're safe.
QR scams, be careful
- Thread starter robordon
- Start date
Oldeagle66
Senior Member
The only time I tried a purchase with a QR code was for one of those little scooters parked everywhere. I was in the mood to try something different. I guess it wasn't meant to be because nothing worked out for me. Other than that I just scan books with them for information.
jujube
SF VIP
I hate having to deal with QR codes. Twice I've gone to restaurants that make you scan a QR code to get the menu. Uh, no. I'm an old lady and I want a menu, dammit!
Last fall I went to a high school football game and instead of paying in cash at the gate, I had to go over to a fence, scan a QR code, put in my charge card info, load it into my "wallet" and present it at the gate.
It was the first time I had done it and I had to get a kid to show me how to do it. Hummmph..
Last fall I went to a high school football game and instead of paying in cash at the gate, I had to go over to a fence, scan a QR code, put in my charge card info, load it into my "wallet" and present it at the gate.
It was the first time I had done it and I had to get a kid to show me how to do it. Hummmph..
retiredtraveler
Senior Member
We just walk away from these kind of situations. We have to --- don't carry a smart phone.
hollydolly
SF VIP
- Location
- London England
that's been happening here as well
Me, too.
QuietByNature
Classic Car Guy
- Location
- SW End of Toronto
Same stuff here in Toronto, I eneded up putting the green P app on my phone. Each lot has a number, I just punch that in and top up with my card. But some people prefer to scan the QR Code.
bobcat
Well-known Member
- Location
- Northern Calif
I think the safest way is to download the QR scanner by TeaCapps from the Play Store. Then go into settings to make sure it is not set to "Auto Open". That way it won't automatically open the site of the QR code you're scanning. Also, set the "Copy to Clipboard" to yes. That way it automatically copies what you're scanning to your clipboard.
Then back to the QR reader function, use the camera mode, and scan the QR code. (You will get a quick notice that it's copied to your clipboard.). Then close the app.
Next, open your browser and select "AI Mode". Then ask AI this: "Is this site safe or legitimate?" (Colon) : (And then paste the site) and enter.
AI will check it against known threat sites or phishing and give you the results.
Don't just paste the "copied to clipboard" text into your browser and search because some browsers ping the sites to make sure they exist and a few other preparations, and you don't want that. It can release your IP address, your device type, your general location, and a signal that your device is reachable.
(Note: After selecting the AI mode, the "Ask AI anything" window is normally at the bottom of the page.
If you're viewing what's at the top of the page, it's likely your last session).
Anyway, for me, the best bet is to have it checked by AI before you leap. It may come up as a "No it's not safe" and explain why, but it doesn't always mean it dangerous. It may just be a phishing attempt by a legitimate company to gain more info about you, and it's your call if you want to go ahead.
Then back to the QR reader function, use the camera mode, and scan the QR code. (You will get a quick notice that it's copied to your clipboard.). Then close the app.
Next, open your browser and select "AI Mode". Then ask AI this: "Is this site safe or legitimate?" (Colon) : (And then paste the site) and enter.
AI will check it against known threat sites or phishing and give you the results.
Don't just paste the "copied to clipboard" text into your browser and search because some browsers ping the sites to make sure they exist and a few other preparations, and you don't want that. It can release your IP address, your device type, your general location, and a signal that your device is reachable.
(Note: After selecting the AI mode, the "Ask AI anything" window is normally at the bottom of the page.
If you're viewing what's at the top of the page, it's likely your last session).
Anyway, for me, the best bet is to have it checked by AI before you leap. It may come up as a "No it's not safe" and explain why, but it doesn't always mean it dangerous. It may just be a phishing attempt by a legitimate company to gain more info about you, and it's your call if you want to go ahead.
Wait. Do all of this to pay for a parking spot? Or look at a menu? Buy a ticket to a high school football game? And subject yourself to some sort of theft/fraud/scam? Confirm with AI, an unreliable source of information? And your entire life information is being tracked, collected and sold to anyone/everyone for whatever use?
I'll pass, thank you.
Marv Malone
Member
- Location
- midwest USA
I have never used it and refuse to. Don't know how and not worth the effort. I don't carry my phone with me and places should not assume everyone does!
Oldeagle66
Senior Member
Truth here, all these technologies to make our lives easier, actually don't always and come with more risks. It's actually very simple and basic to insert a quarter into a parking meter.
bobcat
Well-known Member
- Location
- Northern Calif
Never suggested you use it. I only suggested the safest way IF you're going to use it.
Yes very easy but you don't have to pay someone to go to all the meters and empty out the change, sort it, deposit it and so on. I get you I do but for all the older ways of doing things we remember, what will it be for our kids or grandkids at our age?
