Beware of Scam QR Codes in Car Parks

Drivers across the UK are being warned about an alarming new scam involving fake QR codes that are being stuck over legitimate parking payment signs. The scammers aim to trick users into entering sensitive information or making fraudulent payments.

Emily Checksfield, a driver from Chippenham, narrowly avoided falling victim to this scam when she scanned a QR code at a car park. She was about to make a payment when her phone blocked the transaction. This lucky escape highlights the rising threat of these types of scams, with fake QR codes reported in multiple locations across the country, according to the Chartered Trading Standards Institute.

Watch out for QR scam in Wiltshire car parks

Local authorities are now on high alert. Nick Holder, of Wiltshire Council, reassured the public that no fake QR codes have been found in their car parks so far, but emphasized that the council regularly checks all parking signs to prevent such incidents. Similarly, Swindon Borough Council is investigating reports of fraudulent QR codes being used in its car parks.

QR codes are commonly used to facilitate quick and easy payments for parking, allowing drivers to pay directly through their smartphones. However, scammers are exploiting this convenience by placing counterfeit codes over legitimate payment signs. These deceptive codes often direct victims to a fraudulent website or attempt to steal their personal and banking details.

Katherine Hart, the lead officer for scams at the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, warned that these scam QR codes are designed to either steal bank account information immediately or harvest personal data. She advised anyone who suspects they have scanned a fraudulent code to contact their bank as soon as possible.

To protect themselves, authorities are urging drivers to be vigilant. Users should always check QR codes for signs of tampering, such as stickers or alterations, before scanning them. If anything looks suspicious, it's best to avoid using the code and instead pay through official channels.

As QR code scams become more prevalent, staying informed and cautious can help prevent falling victim to these malicious schemes.