Drivers in Wales warned over ‘fake’ car parking QR codes
Drivers who use their mobile phone to pay for parking are being urged to be vigilant after it emerged that scammers are using fake QR (quick response) codes to cheat motorists out of their money.
According to a Sky News report, QR codes have appeared on a number of parking machines within the UK, with the code taking people to a fake website that steals payment information.
QR codes are a type of barcode that can be scanned by mobile devices to access websites and/or payment portals. However, the fake codes being stuck to parking machines are reportedly tricking drivers out of their money by redirecting them to fake websites.
Yori Evans, 19, made payment using a QR code in a car park outside Pembrokeshire County Council's offices in Haverfordwest
Speaking to Sky News, he said: "I scanned the QR code and then put my details in and paid, but it didn't work correctly so I downloaded the app and paid there.
"The following morning £60 was taken out of my account...I cancelled my card and the day after they tried to take £57.99 out of my account but luckily the card was cancelled.
"My advice would be not to trust anything unless you know it's official like the app and that everyone educates themselves on how to recognise scams like this."
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Pembrokeshire County Council says it does not use QR codes for payment at its car parks across the region. It stated that if any drivers find a car park using QR codes, that they should report it to them to the council immediately.
Earlier this week, Conwy County Borough Council in Wales also warned residents about a similar QR Code scam that has been reported in the local area.
For drivers in the area, the QR codes found on parking meters at The Parade, Llandudno and Colwyn Bay Promenade.
The council has warned that this scam puts drivers at risk, as they may unknowingly fail to pay for parking through official channels.
Drivers who believe they might have been affected are advised to contact their bank immediately.
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