Tourists planning their next magical adventure at Disney World may want to pay closer attention to their parking meters. A growing scam in Orlando is making waves as fake QR codes are being placed on downtown parking meters, and unsuspecting visitors are falling victim to the scheme.
Orlando police have recently issued a warning to drivers after discovering 200 counterfeit QR code stickers on parking meters across downtown Orlando. The fraudulent codes, which are designed to look nearly identical to legitimate ones, redirect users to phishing sites that steal sensitive information. This growing scam is especially concerning as tourists from around the globe, including Disney visitors, rely on QR codes for parking payments.
A Scammer’s Trick: The Perfect Disguise
The fake QR codes are strategically placed over the real ones, making them hard to spot. While the real QR codes are printed with a green background and fixed directly onto the parking meters, the fraudulent ones use a white background and are often easy to peel off. This tampering is part of a broader attempt to target unsuspecting tourists, many of whom may already be distracted with their vacation plans.
In his Monday post, Orlando police spokesperson Sgt. Michael Fiorentino urged everyone to be extra cautious. “The legitimate QR code from Park Mobile has a green background,” he explained. “Fraudulent stickers can peel off easily, and these fake codes have a white background.”
For visitors planning to park near Disney World or any downtown Orlando attraction, it’s essential to carefully inspect the QR codes before scanning them. A simple moment of caution can save you from identity theft or unauthorized payments.
The Orlando Police shared this on X, “🚨 Scam Alert – Fake QR Codes on Downtown Orlando Parking Meters 🚨
According to parking enforcement, roughly 200 fake QR code stickers have been recovered from parking meters in Downtown Orlando. These counterfeit codes are designed to look legitimate while redirecting users to a fraudulent site.
To protect your personal information and avoid unauthorized payments, please keep the following precautions in mind:
-Inspect QR codes for tampering or stickers
-Avoid scanning codes that look suspicious or damaged
-When possible, use official parking apps or payment methods rather than scanning codes directly from the meter
-Report suspicious QR codes to the Orlando Police Department”
🚨 Scam Alert – Fake QR Codes on Downtown Orlando Parking Meters 🚨
According to parking enforcement, roughly 200 fake QR code stickers have been recovered from parking meters in Downtown Orlando. These counterfeit codes are designed to look legitimate while redirecting users… pic.twitter.com/ELI9gEZe0y
— Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) June 2, 2025
A Growing Issue for Tourists
For visitors heading to Disney World, this scam couldn’t come at a worse time. Orlando is packed with tourists from around the world, many of whom rely on QR codes for a quick and easy way to pay for parking. The convenience of scanning a code to pay for parking seems perfect when you’re juggling the excitement of a Disney vacation, but this scam proves that it’s important to stay vigilant, even when you’re on vacation.
One unsuspecting visitor could scan the wrong code and unknowingly give their credit card or personal information to fraudsters, ruining what should have been a magical trip to the parks.
The situation is alarming enough that Orlando police are working closely with the city’s parking division to remove all counterfeit QR codes from downtown parking meters. Despite these efforts, tourists should be cautious when using QR codes in public spaces—especially near major attractions.
What You Should Do to Protect Yourself
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Orlando Parking Scam Targets Tourists, Police Warn Visitors to Stay Vigilant
To avoid falling victim to the scam, Orlando police recommend the following steps:
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Inspect the QR Code: Before scanning a QR code, check it carefully for any signs of tampering. Fraudulent stickers can be peeled off with little effort and often look different than the authentic ones.
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Use Trusted Apps: If you’re unsure about the QR code, it’s always safer to use official apps like Park Mobile, or other trusted payment options like credit cards or mobile wallets.
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Report Suspicious QR Codes: If you spot a questionable QR code, it’s essential to report it to the Orlando Police Department. The faster they are aware, the quicker they can remove the fraudulent codes.
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Stay Aware of Your Surroundings: When visiting downtown Orlando or any part of Disney World, it’s a good idea to stay mindful of your surroundings, including the parking meters and payment methods you use.
Sgt. Fiorentino emphasized that tourists should always be cautious when using any form of digital payment in Orlando and across Disney’s many properties. “It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to protecting your personal information,” he added.
Disney World Visitors: Stay Safe and Keep Your Information Secure
While your Disney World vacation should be nothing but fun, it’s important to remember that scammers are always on the lookout for easy targets. With the growing prevalence of fake QR codes in Orlando, you can’t afford to let your guard down.
Orlando’s police and parking division are working together to clear the streets of these fraudulent codes, but guests can still take proactive steps to protect themselves. As you plan your trip to the Magic Kingdom or other parks, make sure you’re using the safest, most secure payment options available.
Be vigilant, stay safe, and enjoy your vacation without the stress of having your information compromised. If you’re visiting Orlando soon, it’s always best to double-check any QR code before scanning it, and keep your personal information secure throughout your entire trip.
Disney World might be all about magic, but it’s also about being smart. Keep your information safe, and keep your vacation worry-free.
