Date: 8 September 2026
Auckland Transport (AT) is warning Aucklanders not to scan QR codes on parking meters following the discovery of scam QR codes on a handful of Auckland parking meters, after similar codes were discovered in Wellington and Christchurch.
AT’s Head of Transport and Parking Compliance Rick Bidgood says it’s easy to stay safe when parking by not scanning any QR codes on AT’s parking meter machines.
“Recently our parking teams have been made aware of a handful of scam QR code stickers that have been placed on AT parking meters in the Auckland city centre,” Mr Bidgood says.
“AT does not use QR codes on any of our parking meters or machines, so we are warning Aucklanders not to scan any QR codes on AT machines and to please report these stickers to us if they spot them
“Our parking officers on the beat are also keeping an eye out for these dodgy QR code stickers so they can remove them and help keep Aucklanders safe from scams.”
Stay safe by using the AT Park app or a credit/debit card
Aucklanders can pay for on-street parking and in AT carparks using credit and debit cards at the nearest parking machine and through the AT Park app.
“It’s safe and easy to pay for parking using the AT Park app or by using a credit or debit card at the nearest parking meter,” Mr Bidgood says.
“AT never uses QR codes on parking machines or for parking payments, so our message to Aucklanders is clear – skip the QR codes to stay safe.”
Police: Vigilance is key
Police advise the public to be extremely cautious about where they are providing their credit card details.
Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Bolton, from the Auckland City Financial Crime Unit, says people should use official apps or parking machines wherever possible.
“Pay close attention when you’re paying for parking. If you are scanning one of these dodgy QR codes, there’s a high chance the website you’re being directed to is being run by an offshore scam centre.
“From there, the scammers will use your credit card details to wreak havoc and attempt to fraudulently use your money.”
If you end up entering your details on a dodgy website, act quickly and contact your bank.
“The sooner you act, the less chance scammers have to do any damage,” Detective Senior Sergeant Bolton says.
Anyone who sees parking machines being interfered with should contact Police or make a report online at https://105.police.govt.nz
Notes to the editor:
- The National Cyber Security Centre has guidance about how to identify and avoid QR code scams: QR codes: Think before you scan
- You can find out more about how to pay for parking in Auckland at the AT website: Learn how to use pay by plate parking
- The AT Park app is a great way to pay for on-street parking and to park at AT carparks. Find out more at AT Park | Online account and app to pay for parking
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