British motorists have been warned
Drivers shouldn’t give up on sing coins and cash when parking just yet, experts say, as scammers are targeting road users with fake QR code scams. The rise in digital payments, contactless transactions and smartphones have revolutionised the parking scene, but now fraudsters are taking advantage.
Pay and display meters regularly advertise the ability to scan QR code stickers to be sent directly to the online payments page. However, criminals are known to place fake QR codes over the legitimate ones, taking unsuspecting road users to incorrect sites.
The fraudulent website mimics the original in almost every way, with motorists paying scammers instead of parking providers, reports the Express.
These fake sites may steal bank details and login information and could even install damaging software on a device. However, road users could face the double blow of receiving an extra fine by parking providers for not paying their charge.
LeaseLoco explained: “Scammers are placing QR code stickers onto parking meters in the hopes of tricking motorists to scan the QR code and ‘pay’ for their parking. To avoid being caught out, stick to using official car parking apps such as RingGo and PayByPhone. It’s also worth noting that most councils won’t use QR codes for payment, but will instead tend to provide a machine or stick to apps.”
To avoid becoming a victim of this scam, the RAC has previously advised motorists to treat QR codes as a final option. Instead, drivers should consider settling payments with cash, card or via the official car park app, which are likely to be more secure alternatives.
RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “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. Most of these councils don’t even operate a QR code payment system, so if you’re in any doubt, steer well clear and only pay with cash, card or via an official app downloaded from your smartphone’s app store.
“This advice should also be applied to any mode of transport where you can pay via a QR code, including electric vehicle charge points and private car parks.”