MIAMI (WSVN) - The Miami Parking Authority has removed QR codes from parking signs citywide after reports of fraudulent stickers leading drivers to scam websites designed to steal their money and personal information.
Miami Parking Authority CEO Alejandra Argudin spoke with 7News on Thursday about their most recent steps to help protect drivers’ personal data.
“The concern was that they were putting stickers over the QR codes leading the customer to go to a website that was fraudulent,” she said.
Residents in Miami were concerned when they heard the news of the scam.
“That’s scary. That’s a problem,” said one woman.
“That is a big problem, because you park and you scan, and you’re going to get a ticket and your information stolen,” said another woman.
“Yeah, they gotta do something about it, I think,” said tourist Matthew Ceballos.
After hearing concerns, officials began making changes late last year, replacing QR codes with new signs featuring two secure payment app options.
“So we quickly took them out, we put the Miami Parking Authority logo on, so that nobody would use the QR codes to make the payment,” said Argudin.
Now, 7,000 new parking signs are being put up in Miami with no QR code. Instead, the payment options will be through secure apps on the phone.
“So we want them to know we are giving them two apps. Their choice to make their parking payment,” said Argudin.
The updated system allows drivers to enter a location number from the sign into one of the two official apps to pay.
“These apps are secure, which is why we keep telling our customers, use the app, download the app and use it. It’s a secure way to make your payment,” said Argudin.
Miami residents can also sign up for a discount, cutting hourly parking rates by more than half.
Officials said the app is available to use now but all the signs will take about six weeks to be installed.
Click here for more information on the resident discount.
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