Fraud where fake QR codes are stuck onto parking machines across the country is on the rise where unsuspecting drivers end up paying out hundreds of pounds for a few hours’ parking
Most car parks have the option of contactless technology or even dedicated apps so drivers can quickly pay to park without having to worry about having the right change.
But different car parks use different private companies for this. Where I live, for example, which is quite a small town, the car parks use RingGo, MiPermit and JustPark. It’s not only confusing having to download multiple apps, there’s also a risk one of these could be a scam.
Criminals are taking advantage of the increase in digital payments for parking by using fake QR codes, giving them access to drivers’ bank details and personal information – or potentially signing them up for a costly app subscription that does nothing except pull money from their account each month.
Here we look at how QR (quick response) fraud works, what to look out for, and what to do if you think you’ve been scammed.
What is a parking QR scam?
Paying via a QR code should be easy when it comes to parking, but whenever I do it I end up having to download a different app and often can’t get any phone signal.
It’s extremely annoying that every different car park seems to have a different system in place and, what’s more, criminals have caught onto the issue and are plastering fake QR codes across parking machines.
Once the driver scans the fake QR code, which can even be stuck directly on top of a genuine QR code, the criminal can then gain access to their personal or financial details and may end up accessing their bank account and stealing their money.
The driver may also be parked without paying, and face a fine from the local council or the company operating the car park.
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How bad is the problem of QR code fraud?
These crimes are relatively new but increasing at an alarming rate, up 1,300% over the past three years according to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request by Alisa Reliability Solutions.
It estimates that drivers have lost at least £56,000 due to QR fraud since 2022, but the real figure is expected to be higher as this research only takes into account fraud reported to the police.
Stories of fake QR fraud are also appearing more often.
Last week a couple from Newcastle lost £370 after scanning what they thought was a RingGo QR code when paying for parking, as reported by the BBC. Jess Hagan, 28, and Jake Freeman, 29, were tricked into scanning the QR code and the next day woke up to multiple notifications from their bank after their details were stolen.
While another victim of fraud, Les Howard, 61, used a fake QR code on a parking meter when paying for parking this week and the next day was alerted to several withdrawals of £60 from his account, as reported by the BBC.
This type of fraud has risen 700% in the last four years according to Report Fraud as criminals take advantage of the change in the way we pay for parking.
What does a QR code scam look like?
A fake QR code unfortunately looks a lot like a genuine QR code and can be hard to spot. Once you read the QR code on your phone’s camera, you’re usually directed to an app to download or a website where you enter your details and pay to park.
But if the QR code is fake and has been placed there by a fraudster, you have just handed these details to a criminal.
How to avoid a QR code parking scam
The best way to avoid being scammed is to pay for parking with cash or a card, but this is not always possible. You may not have cash or your card on you, or the machine might not accept it, for example.
Here are a few other tips to avoid this scam:
Double check the QR code
If the QR code sticker looks like it has been stuck on something else, if it’s too big for the sign or if it’s covering other information or writing, it may be fake.
Is the website secure?
If the QR code is taking you to a website to pay for parking, always check the website address, or URL. There should be padlock sign to show it’s a secure website and the start of the address should be https://
Use the official website or app
If you’re being asked to download a parking app, such as RingGo or JustPark, instead of scanning a QR code to do this, look for it on your phone’s official app store. This way you can be sure you’re downloading the correct and genuine app – not a fake.
Don’t share bank details
Do not enter your bank details into an app or website that you’ve got from a QR code. If it’s fake you could be unwittingly giving your details to a criminal.
What should you do if you think you’ve used a fake QR code to park?
If you think you’ve used a fake QR code to pay for parking, contact your bank immediately and let them know. They will be able to monitor your account and cancel any suspicious payments.
You can also contact the police on the Report Fraud website.
You can also report any QR codes which you think might be fake to your local council or the company operating the car park if it’s owned by a private business.
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Should you use a QR code when paying to park?
Lots of car parks use QR codes for parking and the majority of these are genuine and can make life easier when it comes to paying.
But it’s important to be aware that this scam is on the rise and to be extra vigilant if you are being asked to scan a QR code.
The RAC advises only using a QR code if there’s no other way you can pay for parking and checking the code first for signs it’s false, as we’ve explained above.
Simon Williams, head of policy for the RAC, said: “A car park is one of the last places where you’d expect to be caught out by online fraud.
“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.”
