Parking is an everyday task that usually goes smoothly – until it doesn’t. From QR code scams to parking tickets, the pitfalls are real, but with a few top tips, you can steer clear of stress and avoid getting things wrong.
QR code scams
QR code scams, where fake QR code stickers are placed on parking hardware or over genuine QR codes, direct you to bogus websites to steal your payment details. These have been prevalent in southern California, but there are ways to stay safe.
Carmen Donnell, Managing Director North America, PayByPhone, a global leader in mobile parking payments and one of Newport Beach’s parking providers, says, “QR code scams are very real and are a blight on our industry. Our advice is to always pay without scanning a QR code. Use the parking payment app you have downloaded via the Apple App store or Google Play Store, not one you have navigated to via a QR code. Alternatively, you can pay via PayByPhone’s website, again that you have navigated yourself not via a QR code.”
The third option is through PayByPhone’s automated payment phone line.
On the very rare occasion the QR is the only option, Donnell recommends that parkers should:
• Check the QR sticker very carefully
• Does it look like there is an additional sticker on top?
• Does the URL it goes to match the PayByPhone URL? It may look similar!
She adds, “If you are in any doubt, don’t enter your payment card details.”
Grace periods
Another thing to be aware of when parking is that some parking locations may have poor Internet connectivity, which may cause problems when paying by app. There is usually a grace period - the time between when you park and when you must start your parking session. That grace period should help you stop getting parking ticket.
Inside a parking structure, where connectivity may be patchy, Donnell suggests walking outside the structure to initiate payment but recommends checking terms and conditions for restrictions as it’s important know how long you have before you must start your session.
Another option is to call to start your session rather than using apps.
Extend from anywhere
When out and about, and things take more time than anticipated, parking tickets are a risk. But you can often extend your parking session in line with the parking location’s terms and conditions by going back into the PayByPhone app, wherever you are, adding more time and paying for it. This saves having to return to the car and top up the time at a meter or pay station. And you can opt-in to receive an SMS before your session expires.
Lastly, check carefully
You can avoid getting parking tickets simply by checking details carefully. Some common errors are entering licence plate information incorrectly, selecting the wrong car for a parking session especially where more than one car is registered in the app, or entering the wrong parking location code. It is an easy mistake to get out your car and look across the street at the signage rather than at the signage on the side on which you have parked - the location numbers may be different on different sides of the street, and this will invalidate your session, and you may get a parking ticket.
Donnell concludes, “Parking should be easy, so with some vigilance and an eye for detail, we can help to simplify your journey across Newport Beach.”
