Be aware of fraudulent QR codes on parking machines in Mississauga

On November 4, the City became aware of fraudulent QR code stickers placed on parking Pay and Display machines across the city. City staff were deployed immediately and removed these stickers from parking machines.

These unauthorized QR codes are designed to redirect users to third-party payment sites that are not affiliated with the City. Scanning and using these codes put your personal and financial information at risk.

The City wants to reassure residents that City staff continue to monitor parking machines and equipment and respond quickly to reports.

What you should know

In Mississauga, QR code stickers posted on parking machines are never used to collect payment for parking. Parking and payment instructions can be found on the parking machine digital screen or on surrounding official City signage. The only way to pay for City parking is through parking machines using the digital payment prompts, where certain payment options are accepted like coins, payment apps like Apple Pay or Google Wallet or major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) at all locations. PayByPhone is also available in Streetsville.

Any QR code found on a City paid parking machine is not legitimate and should not be scanned.

How to spot a fraudulent QR code

Fraudulent QR code stickers are often placed over existing signage or payment instructions and can redirect users to fake payment websites that look legitimate but are designed to steal personal and financial information.

Residents are encouraged to watch for these common warning signs before scanning QR codes:

• A sticker placed on or near a parking machine, rather than built into the equipment.
• A QR code that asks you to scan to pay for parking.
• A payment website that looks official but has a slightly different web address or spelling.
• QR codes that appear to include partial logos or branding to look legitimate.

Anyone who encounters a suspicious QR code on a City paid parking machine is encouraged to avoid scanning it. Instead report it directly to the City by calling 311 so that City staff can remove fraudulent stickers quickly and protect others from falling victim to the scam.

What to do if you scanned and paid for parking using this fraudulent QR code

Anyone who may have scanned one of these codes should know they are not alone. Peel Regional Police regularly warn residents that scammers increasingly use fraudulent links and QR codes to steal personal and financial information.

Scams like this are occurring in cities across Canada. Anyone who suspects they have fallen victim to this scam and may have scanned a QR code and their personal or financial information has been compromised, is encouraged to:

• Immediately contact their credit card company and or financial institution and report the incident so appropriate steps can be taken.
• Report it to the City immediately by calling 311.
• Monitor financial account activity for unauthorized transactions or suspicious activity.

If you’re a victim of fraud, visit a Peel Regional Police Division/Community station to file a Fraud Report. Reports are not taken over the phone.

Peel Regional Police advise the public to be cautious when asked to provide payment details through unfamiliar websites or digital prompts, especially in public spaces. Residents are encouraged to verify payment methods through trusted sources and report suspected fraud to their financial institution.

How does the City use QR codes

The City may use QR codes in official promotional materials to share information or direct users to City webpages. Those QR codes are accompanied by clear branding and a City customized URL that residents can type directly into their browser.

QR codes have never been a legitimate method of payment at City parking machines. They will never be placed on parking machines or used to process parking payments.

The City wants to reassure residents that on‑street parking in Mississauga remains safe to use.

Avoiding QR codes and using the payment instructions shown on the parking machine screen fully protects residents from this type of scam.

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• Public Safety