QR Code Scams in San Antonio, Texas
Latest quishing news, scam reports, and protection tips for San Antonio residents (population 1.5 million)
San Antonio was among the Texas cities flagged by the FBI in its landmark 2022 warning about QR code parking meter scams. The city's tourism industry, including the Riverwalk, provides ongoing opportunities for scammers.
Below you'll find the latest news about QR code scams and quishing attacks affecting San Antonio. Stay informed and scan any QR code with susQR before you click — it's free.
🚨 Notable QR Code Scam Incidents in San Antonio
These are documented QR code scam incidents that have affected San Antonio and the surrounding Texas area:
FBI Flags San Antonio Parking Meters in National QR Scam Warning
January 2022San Antonio was specifically named by the FBI when it issued a nationwide public service announcement about fraudulent QR code stickers on parking meters. Local police confirmed fake QR codes were found on meters in the downtown and Riverwalk areas, sending drivers to phishing payment pages.
Riverwalk Tourist QR Code Scam
2024Visitors to the San Antonio Riverwalk reported QR codes on unofficial flyers advertising 'discounted river cruises' and 'exclusive Alamo passes.' The codes directed to fake booking sites that collected credit card numbers. The San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau issued warnings to tourists.
Fake Utility Bill QR Code Notices
2025San Antonio residents reported receiving fake CPS Energy notices in their mailboxes with QR codes for 'overdue payment.' CPS Energy confirmed the notices were fraudulent and reminded customers that legitimate bills include account numbers and can be paid at cpsenergy.com or the official app.
- Download the official ParkMobile app for San Antonio parking — never scan a meter QR code.
- Book Riverwalk tours and Alamo tickets only from official sites like thealamo.org or rfrwf.com.
- CPS Energy never sends QR codes for bill payment — pay at cpsenergy.com or authorized locations.
📰 Latest QR Code Scam News — San Antonio
How a sophisticated scam drained nearly $1M from a San Antonio car dealership’s bank accounts - San Antonio Express-News
How a sophisticated scam drained nearly $1M from a San Antonio car dealership’s bank accounts San Antonio Express-News
Texas investigating SPLC for allegedly funding KKK, extremist groups it opposed - WOAI
Texas investigating SPLC for allegedly funding KKK, extremist groups it opposed WOAI
Election denial is a fault line in Republican primary for Georgia secretary of state - KSAT
Election denial is a fault line in Republican primary for Georgia secretary of state KSAT
Bitcoin machines face new fraud regulations as US cities tighten oversight - eciks.org
Bitcoin machines face new fraud regulations as US cities tighten oversight eciks.org
Harris County residents warned of fake court document scam - CW39 Houston
Harris County residents warned of fake court document scam CW39 Houston
Webb County Sheriff Martin Cuellar faces removal attempt following federal fraud indictment - San Antonio Current
Webb County Sheriff Martin Cuellar faces removal attempt following federal fraud indictment San Antonio Current
Benton County Sheriff’s Office Warns of Text Message Scam Featuring Fake Traffic Ticket - KNSI
Benton County Sheriff’s Office Warns of Text Message Scam Featuring Fake Traffic Ticket KNSI
San Antonio-area police warn of fake traffic ticket scam by text and mail - MSN
San Antonio-area police warn of fake traffic ticket scam by text and mail MSN
Hollywood Park police warn of fake traffic ticket scams - San Antonio Express-News
Hollywood Park police warn of fake traffic ticket scams San Antonio Express-News
Three arrested in multi-million dollar gift card tampering scheme - WOAI
Three arrested in multi-million dollar gift card tampering scheme WOAI
Overstayed parking in Texas? Why a $105 fee may be legal - Houston Chronicle
Overstayed parking in Texas? Why a $105 fee may be legal Houston Chronicle
New Text Scam Targeting El Pasoans — What To Do If You Get One - KLAQ El Paso
New Text Scam Targeting El Pasoans — What To Do If You Get One KLAQ El Paso
New text scam targeting Texans - what to do if you get one - MSN
New text scam targeting Texans - what to do if you get one MSN
Got this text? It could be a new scam targeting Texans - MySA
Got this text? It could be a new scam targeting Texans MySA
Scam texts flood phones of drivers about unpaid tickets and tolls - Detroit Free Press
Scam texts flood phones of drivers about unpaid tickets and tolls Detroit Free Press
🎯 Common QR Code Scams in San Antonio
These are the QR code scams most frequently reported in San Antonio and similar cities across Texas:
🅿️ Parking Meter Scams
Fake QR stickers on parking meters redirect to scam payment pages. Always use the official parking app instead of scanning meter QR codes.
🍽️ Restaurant Menu Swaps
Scammers place fake QR codes over real menu codes at restaurants in San Antonio. Check for sticker overlays before scanning.
📧 Corporate Email Quishing
Employees in San Antonio receive fake emails with QR codes pretending to be from Microsoft, Google, or IT departments.
📦 Package Delivery Scams
Fake "missed delivery" notices with QR codes mimicking USPS, FedEx, or Amazon target San Antonio residents.
⚡ EV Charging Scams
Fake QR codes on EV charging stations redirect to scam payment pages. Use the official charging network app.
📶 Fake Wi-Fi Scams
QR codes in San Antonio cafés, hotels, and public spaces may connect you to attacker-controlled Wi-Fi networks.
For detailed breakdowns of each scam type, see our complete QR code scams guide with 10 real-world examples.
🛡️ How to Stay Safe from QR Code Scams in San Antonio
✅ Quick Safety Checklist for San Antonio Residents
- Scan with susQR first — susQR.com checks any QR code URL against 70+ threat databases for free before you visit it.
- Look before you scan — Check if the QR code is a sticker placed over another code, especially at parking meters and restaurants.
- Use official apps — For parking, EV charging, and payments, use apps downloaded directly from your app store.
- Don't scan QR codes from emails — Legitimate companies send clickable links, not QR codes. A QR code in an email is almost always a scam.
- Verify the URL — After scanning, check that the domain matches the company you expect (e.g., parkmobile.io, not park-m0bile.com).
- Report suspicious QR codes — Notify the business, San Antonio police, and the FBI's IC3.
🔒 Found a Suspicious QR Code in San Antonio?
Don't risk it — scan it with susQR first. Free, instant, no account required.
🚀 Scan a QR Code Now 📚 What Is Quishing?❓ QR Code Scam FAQ — San Antonio
Are QR code scams common in San Antonio?
QR code scams are increasing across all major U.S. cities, including San Antonio. With quishing attacks up 587% nationally, San Antonio's 1.5 million residents are among the millions at risk. The most common local scams involve parking meters, restaurant menus, and corporate phishing emails.
Where should I report a QR code scam in San Antonio?
Report QR code scams to the FBI's IC3, the FTC, and your local San Antonio police department's non-emergency line. Also notify the business where the fake QR code was placed so they can remove it.
Is there a free tool to check QR codes in San Antonio?
Yes — susQR.com is a free QR code security scanner that works from any device. It checks URLs against 70+ antivirus engines, follows redirect chains, and gives you a risk score before you visit the destination. No account needed.
Can I get a virus from scanning a QR code?
Scanning a QR code by itself won't infect your device, but visiting the URL it contains can be dangerous. Some QR code scams lead to sites that attempt malware downloads or trick you into installing malicious apps. Always preview URLs before opening them.
📍 QR Code Scam Reports — Other Cities
See QR code scam news and protection guides for other cities: