Pulling into a parking space in Stroudsburg could cost you more than just the price for parking.
Stroudsburg Borough Manager Larry Kopp says, "We started getting complaints because people said that we were charging them, when we actually weren’t."
About a handful of residents fell victim to the compromised QR codes on the meters. The scammer placed dime-sized quick response code stickers over the borough’s.
Kopp says, "What happens is if you scan the QR code, it takes you to a website that is very close to what our website should be but it’s not, and they actually will automatically charge you money."
The municipality is warning everyone not to use the black and white squares to pay. But some visitors today didn’t get the message.
Virginia Resident Diane Branch says, "That’s kind of scary now because I’m wondering where that information went now. Could I have scanned a sticker instead of the actual app?"
Others we caught just in time, and told them to either download the MPAY2 app directly or just pay the old fashioned way.
New Jersey Resident Dave Spangler says, "It’s unfortunate that people have to resort to trickery to get people’s money but I thank you for alerting me to the fact that that was going on, because we’re from out of town."
Borough workers will be coming around and putting decals over the QR codes so that they won’t be used. There’s also plans to replace all of the meters next year.
Kopp says, "Ones that have card readers so you can use a debit card or a credit card to actually pay your parking, which I think is a great idea. It’s about time we enter the 21st century. It’s a little more money, but I think in the long run, it’ll be worth it."
We’re told the parking scam isn’t only affecting meters in Stroudsburg. Drivers are falling victim in a number of communities throughout Pennsylvania. Those we spoke to today call it an eyeopener, they’ll try to avoid QR codes going forward.
Branch says, "I’m still a little worried where my information is. I probably will be making a call to my credit card company."
Stroud Area Regional Police will be looking into the scam code, anyone with information is asks to contact them.