Scammers Exploit Parking Meters with Fake QR Codes

A spate of scams involving fake QR codes on parking machines is emerging across various regions, including Luton, Leicester, and areas from Bray to Malahide. These scams, often referred to as 'quishing,' involve fraudsters placing bogus QR code stickers on parking meters, redirecting users to fraudulent websites to steal financial information. Local councils, such as Luton and Fingal County, have issued warnings and are actively working to remove these stickers and advise the public against scanning suspicious QR codes. The scams exploit the increasing reliance on digital payment systems as councils phase out traditional pay-and-display machines. Similar fraudulent activities have been reported in the UK, with incidents involving impersonation of traffic officials to extort payments from unsuspecting drivers. Authorities stress the importance of vigilance and recommend using official apps or direct card payments to avoid falling victim to these scams.