Raleigh warns drivers of fake QR codes on downtown parking meters

The City of Raleigh has identified a number of fake QR codes posted on downtown street parking meters, warning that these unauthorized links may be part of a wider scam.

On Dec. 31, the city released images of the suspect square codes with their accompanying text reading “Scan Here To Pay For Parking.” Officials had blotted out the codes’ patterns for security.

“These QR codes may be designed to trick you into clicking on malicious links or providing personal and financial information,” the city wrote in an online statement.

To properly pay for street parking, drivers can either use the meters or access the Passport parking app, which Raleigh debuted downtown in 2019. The city said people should only encounter QR codes if they are paying parking violations or in parking garages.

Raleigh says city employees are checking all downtown meters for the improper codes. It encouraged the public to contact Raleigh Parking to report suspicious meter signage.

Aside from street parking, local drivers will continue to have access to two hours of free parking at five downtown decks after the Raleigh City Council in November voted to extend this initiative until June 2026.