The RAC has warned drivers about scammers placing fake QR codes on parking machines to steal their card information.
QR Code Scams
The RAC has warned drivers to be “very vigilant” when using payment machines in car parks and to only pay with cash, card or official apps rather than using QR codes.
This comes in the wake of a rise in QR code scams, wherein scammers have been placing fake QR codes over council-owned parking machines.
These codes lead to unsuspecting drivers being directed to fraudulent websites, and when they enter their card details, they are unknowingly sharing their payment details and information with scammers. This scamming technique has been dubbed as ‘quishing’.
Spotting a Fake QR Code
One tell-tale sign that a QR code is not legit is if it has been stuck over official information.
Additionally, if you are going to pay by QR code, you should ensure that the payment website’s URL is secure with a padlock symbol and an address beginning with https://. Make sure it is the company you expected to pay with; if not, you should avoid entering your details.
Most councils do not use QR codes on parking signs, instead tending to direct drivers towards an app for payment.
Lack of Payment Options
Something that has exacerbated this type of scam is the phasing out of cash as a payment option.
“Our research with drivers shows that many still prefer to pay with cash. Unfortunately, this option – along with payment machines – are being phased out by lots of councils, which a majority of drivers think is a bad idea.”
“We believe there should always be at least two different means of paying for parking in the event technology fails or the car park is located somewhere with intermittent phone signal.” – Simon Williams, RAC head of policy
A Double Blow
“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.” – Simon Williams
Therefore, this type of scam can often be a double-blow for victims, who face losing their money from scammers as well as being charged fines for unknowingly not paying for their parking.
Quishing in Lytham St Annes
In the last month, there has been a spike in these false QR codes in car parks across the UK, such as in Northumberland, South Tyneside, Barking and Dagenham, Northamptonshire and Pembrokeshire.
In fact, car parks right here in Lytham St Annes have even been targeted, with Fylde council removing a number of fake stickers from car parks.
One woman is reported to have lost £1,500 to scammers within minutes of paying for parking using a fake QR code.
The targeted car parks include Dicconson Terrace, St Paul’s Avenue, Stanner Bank and St Annes Beach. Fylde Council has warned people paying for parking to do so using cash or by downloading the MiPermit App.