DELRAY BEACH, Florida (CBS12) — It’s convenient, fast and, for some drivers, costly.

Fake QR code scams targeting pay-to-park systems are popping up in South Florida.

“You hear about scams everywhere, but this one probably takes the cake,” one driver told WPEC reporter Katie Bente.

In Fort Lauderdale, city officials said fake codes were detected at seven different lots and garages.

While local police contacted by CBS12 News have not received any reports of the scam, they are urging drivers to exercise caution before screening.

In busy areas like The Ave in Downtown Delray Beach, drivers are often relieved to find a spot; It’s so hectic there. But when you’re in a rush, quickly paying for parking on your phone, you may not realize where your money actually goes.

This is exactly what scammers rely on.

“This is another layer where everything is so mobile these days with technology that you have to think about it,” said one man who frequently uses a parking meter.

The scam works like this: Fake QR codes are placed on parking signs, sometimes on top of legitimate QR codes. When scanned, they redirect drivers to a convincing but fake website. You think you’re paying to park, but instead you’re providing your bank information.

See also: Scammers still prefer the phone

This week, several of these fake QR codes were found in Fort Lauderdale.

Experts warn they could cost you more than your parking fee; They can give fraudsters access to your bank account or personal information.

“Using that information to maybe get into your bank account, take your money, find your address, all kinds of things. You know, it’s a little scary,” said one driver reacting to the scam.

“It’s a little scary, to be honest. So I don’t know how to verify it. We use these all the time,” said a woman whose husband parked nearby.

How to Spot a Scam

• Broken links to privacy policies or terms of service are red flags.
• If the QR code looks like a sticker rather than embedded in the sign, it is most likely fake.

In Delray Beach, legal QR codes are not pasted on parking signs but placed directly inside them.

The safest way to pay? Instead of scanning any random code, open the parking app like ParkMobile yourself.

Delray Beach Police said they were aware of the scam occurring in Fort Lauderdale but had not received any reports locally.