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Stickers with QR codes at Bellingham parking meters are a scam, city warns

By Jack Belcher
A parking meter outside of City Hall at 210 Lottie St. in Bellingham. Drivers should use a credit card slot on the meter or the PayByPhone website or mobile app for parking. Scam stickers found on some parking meters were telling drivers to scan a bogus QR code.
A parking meter outside of City Hall at 210 Lottie St. in Bellingham. Drivers should use a credit card slot on the meter or the PayByPhone website or mobile app for parking. Scam stickers found on some parking meters were telling drivers to scan a bogus QR code. Robert Mittendorf The Bellingham Herald

The city of Bellingham is warning people about fake QR codes spotted recently near parking meters and pay stations around the city. The city does not accept parking payments via QR codes, and the stickers were placed by scammers trying to steal money, according to the city’s website.

The city is asking people to report any fake QR codes they see to parking@cob.com and include the location of the sticker.

Paid parking in Bellingham’s parking meters require payment from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, including holidays.

Additional parking information can be found on the city of Bellingham’s website under services, then under transportation services.

A sign outside City Hall at 210 Lottie St. in Bellingham tells drivers to use the PayByPhone mobile app or use its website for parking. Scam stickers found on some parking meters were telling drivers to scan a bogus QR code.
A sign outside City Hall at 210 Lottie St. in Bellingham tells drivers to use the PayByPhone mobile app or use its website for parking. Scam stickers found on some parking meters were telling drivers to scan a bogus QR code. Robert Mittendorf The Bellingham Herald
Profile Image of Jack Belcher
Jack Belcher
The Bellingham Herald
360-715-2206
Jack Belcher covers transportation and recreation for The Bellingham Herald. He graduated from Central Washington University with a degree in digital journalism in 2020 and joined the staff in September 2022. Belcher resides in Bellingham.
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