By tf-lawyer.com San Francisco transportation officials have issued a warning regarding counterfeit QR code stickers found on parking meters throughout the city, urging residents and visitors to verify that they are using authorized payment methods to avoid scams.
Last week, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) received alerts about fraudulent stickers labeled “Phone Pay” appearing on parking meters near the popular tourist destination, Fisherman’s Wharf. The deceptive websites linked to these QR codes have since been taken down.
San Francisco’s parking meters accept coins, credit cards, debit cards, and verified mobile payment apps. The transportation department stresses the importance of using the official app to ensure the security of transactions.
Parking enforcement typically operates from Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 6 PM, although hours and fees may vary on Sundays and in special event areas. Most parking meters have a two-hour time limit, but approximately one-quarter of them allow for four-hour limits or have no time restrictions.
Here’s a guide to the verified parking payment methods in San Francisco:
**Paying via mobile or web browser:** To pay for parking using this method, visit the PayByPhone website (m2.paybyphone.com) to log in, register, or park as a guest. Select “Park” and enter the location number, which is displayed on the sticker for single-space meters and on the equipment and overhead signs for multi-space stations. Use the app to verify and manage parking duration, accessing receipts and transaction history through your registered account.
**Paying with iPhone, Apple Watch, or Android:** For this payment method, download the official “PayByPhone Parking” app. Register or continue as a guest, enter the meter’s location number, and confirm the parking duration. You can update details as needed and manage your parking information through the app interface.
**Phone payment:** To pay for parking by phone, call 866-490-7275, provide your personal phone number or PIN, enter the location number, and select the desired parking duration. Payments are electronically recorded even if the meter expires.
**Coin payment:** All parking meters in San Francisco accept coins. Insert coins directly into the meter and ensure you enter the correct parking space or vehicle license number. Note that meters do not provide receipts, so make sure to check the remaining time to avoid fines.
**Payment with credit or debit cards:** San Francisco parking meters accept payments from Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and debit cards. When using the meter, quickly insert and withdraw your card (with the stripe facing down), adjust the parking duration using the buttons, and then press the green “OK” button. Contactless payments can also be made using Apple Pay and Android Pay.
