Fraudulent Card Readers Detected at Oxford Worcester Street Car Park

Multiple UK councils have issued warnings about fraudulent activities targeting car park users, including skimming devices on payment machines and fake QR codes directing to scam websites. Oxford City Council reported that criminals placed skimming devices disguised as legitimate card readers on pay machines at Worcester Street car park, capturing card data and prompting users to see "card declined" messages before their accounts were compromised. Similarly, in Bournemouth and Warwickshire, fake QR codes have been found on parking meters, redirecting users to fraudulent sites designed to steal financial information, with councils advising against scanning unsolicited QR codes and recommending the use of official parking apps. Authorities emphasize vigilance, encouraging users to inspect payment devices carefully, report suspicious activity, and use safer payment methods such as phone apps. These scams underscore growing concerns over payment security in public parking facilities and the need for enhanced monitoring and public awareness. Additionally, Enfield Council has launched a six-month pilot scheme to combat blue badge parking permit fraud, aiming to protect genuine disabled drivers by investigating misuse and issuing penalties for violations.