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Focus mode Show Search [ ] Search Query Submit Search Advertisement California Fake QR codes posted on Redondo Beach parking meters to scam drivers, police say A parking meter in Redondo Beach. The city of Redondo Beach is alerting residents and visitors to a recent scam involving fraudulent QR codes placed on parking meters. (Kim Chapin / Los Angeles Times) By Alex WigglesworthStaff Writer Aug. 25, 2024 12:18 PM PT * Share Share via Close extra sharing options * Email * Facebook * X * LinkedIn * Threads * Reddit * WhatsApp * Copy Link URLCopied! * Print Someone affixed fraudulent QR codes to parking meters in popular areas of Redondo Beach in an attempt to scam residents and visitors, authorities warned. The QR codes -- which direct people to a website that's not affiliated with the city or its official parking meter system -- were found on about 150 parking meters along the Esplanade and in the Riviera Village area, the Redondo Beach Police Department said Saturday in a news release. When users reached that website, poybyphone.online, they were prompted to enter their location and payment information. The stickers, all of which have since been removed, were placed next to labels for legitimate companies that allow people to make parking fee payments online by either scanning a QR code, downloading an app or visiting a website. The city contracts with two companies, ParkMobile and PayByPhone, to take those payments. Advertisement Anyone who may have been defrauded by the fake QR codes, who received a parking citation after making a payment through the fraudulent website, or who has information about those responsible for the scam stickers is asked to contact the Redondo Beach Police Department at (310) 379-2477. The scam has precedent. QR codes directing users to the same fraudulent website were recently discovered on at least 51 parking meters in Ottawa, Canada, according to the Ottawa Citizen. And earlier this month, Alhambra police warned residents that someone was leaving fake parking tickets on vehicles that included a QR code directing to a website not affiliated with the city. Authorities warned people not to scan the code, as it might install a virus on their phone. Advertisement In fact, the practice is now so commonplace that it has a name: "quishing," short for "QR code phishing," according to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. This brand of identity fraud scam typically sees criminals try to lure victims into providing personal or financial information by placing QR codes in high-traffic locations or sending them via email or text message. The codes direct unsuspecting users to fraudulent websites that often attempt to masquerade as sites affiliated with government agencies or banks, according to the USPIS. The information the scammers obtain can then be used to commit other crimes such as financial fraud. More to Read * ALHAMBRA, CALIF. DEC.1, 2015 - The 710 Freeway intersects with Valley Boulevard at its northern terminus in Alhambra. State and local transportation planners announced last year that they were finally abandoning the controversial idea of building an extension of the so-called Long Beach Freeway through Pasadena and South Pasadena. (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times) Scammers leave fake parking tickets in Alhambra, police warn Aug. 1, 2024 * SANTA MONICA, CA - APRIL 05: The parking lot at the Santa Monica Pier was nearly full on Monday, April 5, 2021 as Los Angeles County entered the less strict orange tier allowing more places to open and inviting more people to venture outdoors. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times) Don't feed the meter. Save money and buy a parking permit at these L.A. and O.C. beaches July 26, 2024 * Google street view of Anaheim Police Department 415 Harbor Blvd. Two men impersonated ICE agents to rob Latino residents, Anaheim police say June 24, 2024 California Newsletter Sign up for Essential California The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning. Enter email address [ ] Sign Me Up You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. [] Alex Wigglesworth Follow Us * X * Instagram * Email * Facebook Alex Wigglesworth is an environment reporter who covers wildfire and forestry for the Los Angeles Times. More From the Los Angeles Times * In this image from an AlertCalifornia/UC San Diego monitoring camera, the Tenaja fire in Riverside county near the Tenaja Truck Trail in the Cleveland National Forest, authorities said. It was mapped at 100 acres as of 1:45 p.m. California Evacuation orders issued for brush fire in Riverside County * LOCATION: 234 St and Main St AREA/CITY: Carson DETAILS: First responders were dispatched to a shooting with 2 people possibly shot. First responders arrived on scene and found 2 people across the street from each other suffering from gunshot wounds. Firefighters provided life saving measures but ultimately both victims were declared deceased on scene. Dozens of family members are currently gathered around on scene. It is unclear at this time if this was a walk up or drive by shooting. How ever there is a vehicle with its lights turned on next to one of the victims. Carson sheriffs have Main St shutdown from 233 St to 236 St while they continue their investigation. California Two fatal Saturday night shootings in Carson under investigation Aug. 25, 2024 * A growing memorial is made outside a Woodland Hills clinic after a doctor was shot and killed on Friday, August 23, 2024. California Doctor shot and killed outside Woodland Hills clinic Aug. 25, 2024 * SACRAMENTO CA SEPTEMBER 9, 2019 -- Assemblyman Adam Gray (D-Merced), right, meets with Assemblyman Tyler Diep (R-Westminster), center, and Assemblyman Heath Flora (R-Ripon) at the state Capitol on Aug. 29, 2019. (Robert Gourley / Los Angeles Times) California In key congressional race, Republicans criticize Democrat's Central Valley real estate deal Aug. 25, 2024 Subscribers are Reading * California For Subscribers L.A.'s 'Ketamine Queen' lived a celebrity-studded life. 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