I had my Citibike stolen last summer. I was approaching the docking station and noticed a teen kid with long hair hunched over, just hanging around on top of a bike. I remember being annoyed because it was clear he wasn't using it & there was only one other bike much further down.

So I unlock it with my phone & nothing happens & I notice the kid takes off at the same moment with the other bike. Then I look at my phone & see the counter has started. Lightbulb went off, omg he just played me!

Turns out he had pealed off & swapped the QR code and swapped between his bike & mine. So by me scanning the QR code, it unlocked his bike. I was SO angry, started running after him but it was electric.

Had to call the Citibike number and was so nervous I'd be responsible for costs, but they said this type of thing happens and that was it.

Still angry though, makes me hate people. what a piece of shit.

So moral of the story if you see anybody lingering near a bike, watch out!