UK Councils Warn Drivers of Widespread QR Code Scam

Motorists across the UK are being warned about a surge in scams involving fake QR codes placed in car parks, which trick users into providing sensitive bank information. These codes, often affixed to payment machines or signs, redirect unsuspecting drivers to fraudulent websites that mimic legitimate payment providers. Local councils, including Guildford and Lincolnshire, have issued alerts emphasizing that they do not use QR codes for parking payments and advising individuals to report any suspicious codes. Victims risk not only financial loss but also potential parking fines for failing to obtain a valid ticket. Authorities are actively removing these fake codes and are encouraging drivers to use official apps like RingGo or PayByPhone for transactions. The Chartered Trading Standards Institute and other organizations highlight the growing prevalence of such scams, cautioning users to verify the authenticity of QR codes before scanning.