What to know about parking scams in downtown Bowling Green

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – The Bowling Green Police Department is shedding light on yet another scheme scammers use to try and get your money, this time in downtown Bowling Green.

“There’s always the invention of a new scam, and we’re continuously seeing them daily. But something starts up new trying to separate you from your money,” BGPD public information officer Ronnie Ward says.

It may seem like a daily occurrence, but this new scam is targeting those that might park in the downtown area. Scammers are taping over QR codes on the ParkMobile signs, allowing them to easily access and even steal credit card information.

“Someone made a QR code on the sticker and put it over the top of the sign where it has the QR code at the bottom of the parking pay, and what this does is direct you to a different account, and then they put your credit card information in there. Then they have your credit card information,” Ward says.

There is a way to tell which ones are real and which are fake. You just really have to look for it.

“If you look real close at the sign and you see a sticker over the other QR code or anything that’s raised, be suspicious of it, and don’t scan it. Once you see that, then there’s other ways on the sign that tells you how to take care of payment for parking in that particular place. So we just ask that you look real close at the sign just to make sure that it seems legitimate,” Ward says.

Downtown BGKY released a statement to News 40 regarding these scams as well, saying:

“We certainly don’t want anyone getting scammed during their Downtown visit, and encourage everyone considering using paid parking to be watchful. All are welcome Downtown and paid parking has been used in many forms around the area since the automobile was invented. Only some private property owners have selected to activate their parking lots with paid parking. ParkMobile is one of the most commonly used pay to park apps in the country, and the Downtown property owners who use this technology were advised by WKU (which uses the same app for paid campus parking), to keep instructions consistent between Downtown and main campus. Many visitors to both campus and Downtown overlap. Parking management companies like Park Mobile have their own apps to download or access on browsers on mobile devices. It’s best to double check the payment page to make sure you’re using the correct app every time. Perhaps consider texting the number on the parking signs instead of scanning the QR code, just to ensure accuracy. ParkMobile has a customer service contact method that those who feel they have been scammed can report any suspicious activities. Please also contact the BG Police Department. For free public parking lots, look for the public parking signs at entrances of all free government-owned lots around Downtown. The signs say the lot name and give its free parking guidelines. The City installed these in Spring 2024. For a digital public parking map of free and privately-owned paid lot locations, visit the City of BG or Downtown websites. The public parking map lists all free to park lots within about 6 blocks of Downtown venues, including free public handicap parking spots too. The map can be saved or downloaded for recurring use.”

Ward also advises if you aren’t able to tell the fakes apart, don’t give the scammer the chance to use that money on your credit card.

“If you realize that you have become a victim or fallen victim of this scam, contact your bank immediately and get your credit card turned off or your credit card company. Get your credit card turned off as soon as possible,” he says.