Experts have released an official warning about QR parking scams and their growing frequency.
The scam involves fraudsters sticking up ‘how to pay’ posters (with a QR code on them) in car parks. This code leads motorists to a fake webpage for payment or invites them to download an app to pay.
The QR code is not the official payment method and is just a ‘fake’ link to send money directly to the scammers. Motorists think they are paying the parking company, but once the payment is processed, more money than expected is often taken from the unwitting victims’ bank account.
To rub salt in the wound, because this isn’t the correct payment method, motorists are also likely to receive a parking ticket and a fine from the parking company.
(Image: Getty/SolStock)
The scams have become so widespread that councils in Barking and Dagenham, Northumberland, Northamptonshire, South Tyneside and Pembrokeshire have issued warnings, and the RAC have been urging drivers to stay vigilant.
The scam is already popular elsewhere too, where drivers have been scammed out of £768 at a time.
Ian Hajyzamanali, a car expert as used car dealership Big Motoring World, has shared his advice on how drivers can avoid being scammed out of their hard-earned money by these tech-savvy and increasingly brazen con-artists.
He shared his five top tips below:
Don’t rush to pay.
Mr Hajyzamanali advises that most scams try to rely on creating a false sense of urgency, so taking your time can be a good antidote.
He said: “Scammers often rely on you being in a hurry, so take a moment to assess the situation. Look around for clear, official signage that details the correct payment methods. Genuine payment instructions will typically be on professionally printed signs or ticket machines, not on random stickers slapped around the car park.”
Inspect the QR code’s placement.
He said: “A legitimate QR code is unlikely to look hastily applied or out of place. If it’s on a sticker that’s peeling, misaligned, or placed over existing payment information, it’s likely dodgy.”
If you do scan a QR code, check the website it takes you to carefully.
Even if you have scanned the QR code, it is not too late to spot the signs that you are close to being scammed.
He said: “Scammers may use URLs that look convincing but contain subtle typos or extra characters. For example, instead of “www.parkingcompany.co.uk,” you might be directed to “www.parking-compnay.co.uk” or something similar. Always verify the web address before proceeding.
“Some QR code scams will ask you to download an app. Rather than doing this, another safeguard is to use the parking provider’s official app. If the car park is managed by a known company, download their app from a trusted source like the App Store or Google Play, and make payments through it rather than relying on the app you’re directed to by the QR code.
Pay directly at the machine if possible
Mr Hajyzamanali advises looking for one of the pay machines first, rather than relying on your phone to pay – as this can be a ‘smart’ way to avoid scammers.
He said: “Paying directly at the machine avoids any need to scan a QR code altogether. Many machines now allow you to pay with contactless, chip and pin, or cash. Sometimes the old ways are the safest!”
Trust your instincts.
Mr Hajyzamanali “On a basic level, if something feels ‘not right’, your instincts are often right. Report suspicious QR codes to the car park operator immediately. Taking a moment to double-check could save you from handing your money to scammers.
“By staying alert and cautious, you can ensure your parking payment goes to the right place—not into the hands of fraudsters.”