QR parking scams soar in number across the UK
Consumer Editor
The number of fake QR (Quick Response) codes being stuck on car parking payment machines has increased by 1300%, according to new research.
QR codes are read by the camera on your smartphone and redirect your device to a website to pay for a product or service. However, the small black and white stickers are being replicated by criminals to redirect people to fake car park payment websites.
The false codes ask drivers to enter their bank card details into fraudulent websites set up to record information, which criminals then use to steal money from their bank accounts.
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Scams involving fake QR codes has increased by over 1300% over the past three years, according to new data from a Freedom of Information (FOI) request.
The research, from Alisa Reliability Solutions, suggests that drivers have lost at least £56,000 to fake QR codes since 2022.
Worryingly, the true financial cost to drivers could be a lot higher, as most scams are not directly reported to police and local councils due to the relatively small amounts that are taken.
How to avoid QR code parking scams
The best course of action to avoid fake QR codes is to pay with cash or card at the car parking machine. Alternatively, use an official parking phone app.
RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “A car park is one of the last places where you’d expect to be caught out by online fraud.
“Unfortunately, the increasing popularity and ease of using QR codes appears to have made drivers more vulnerable to malicious scammers.
“For some, this sadly means a Quick Response code could in fact be a ‘quick route’ to losing money.
“As if this quishing scam isn’t nasty enough, it can also lead to drivers being caught out twice if they don’t realise, they haven’t paid for parking and end up getting a hefty fine from the council.
“The safest course of action when paying for parking at a council-owned car park is to avoid using QR codes altogether.”
To avoid being caught out by car park scammers, the RAC advises drivers to only pay via a QR code if they have no other payment option.
Should I use a QR code to pay for car parking?
The RAC advises that if you decide to use a QR code then these are the steps to follow to stay safe and avoid common scams:
- Check to see if it has been stuck onto the parking payment machine. Tell-tale signs are the code looking too big or if it partially obscures official information
- Make sure the payment website’s URL is secure and is the official site for the company you want to pay. Look out for a padlock symbol and a website address that begins with https://
- If you’re concerned you’ve used a false code, check your bank statement and banking app for any suspicious transactions
- If someone calls you claiming to work for your bank, ask for a reference number, then phone your bank’s actual number. This will be displayed on the back of your bank card, on a letter they have sent or from their official website. Never ring the number the caller gives you over the phone or via email
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