Drivers warned over QR code parking scam
Drivers warned over QR code parking scam
Drivers are being warned about fake QR codes that are appearing in car parks, which attempt to trick people to hand over their card details.
Guildford Borough Council is issuing the advice to make sure that drivers do not fall foul of the scam, following two recent incidents where fake QR codes were found in the borough’s car parks.
The codes are attached to payment machines, on signs or barriers within car parks to defraud unsuspecting drivers. When scanned, the codes trick people into entering credit and debit card information into fake websites that may mimic those of genuine payment providers.
The scam causes several issues for victims. They end up paying money to scammers and giving their card details. It could also lead to parking fines as victims have failed to pay the correct parking fare via the correct channels.
Guildford Borough Council doesn’t use any QR codes in its car parks.
Lead Councillor for Commercial Services, Cllr Catherine Houston, said:
“We are aware of the increase in QR code parking scams across the country and I want to reassure residents that our teams regularly inspect our car parks to keep them safe and free from fraudulent activities.
“Criminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their methods so if you do spot a QR code in one of our car parks, please don’t scan it; report it to the Council instead.
“By raising awareness of such scams, we help to protect drivers from being misled so that residents and visitors can use our car parks in confidence.”
Don’t get caught by parking scams: Tips from the Council’s Parking Team
- QR Codes: If you arrive at a car park and you need to use ‘Pay by Phone’ always download the app from the App Store or Google Play. Never use the QR codes as they may not be genuine.
- Parking Charge Notices (PCN): A PCN will usually be left on your car or be sent to you through the post. Only ever respond to a PCN from a reliable source and if you’re unsure, visit the genuine website for the Council or parking company who issued the fine. The site should have trusted links you can use which will confirm if the PCN with your vehicle registration is valid.
While this type of scam does appear to be on the increase and unsuspecting members of the public may occasionally fall victim to it, both Guildford Borough Council, the Council’s suppliers and the Police are doing their utmost to minimise its impact.
Having been made aware of the issue, the Council has placed signs adjacent to payment equipment within all its car parks, reminding customers to only download the RingGo parking app via the App Store and Google Play. The signs also instruct visitors to not attempt to access payment services via QR codes that they may find in and around the car parks.
The Council’s enforcement team monitor car parks daily and immediately remove any rogue QR codes found.
How you can report a fake QR code
People are advised to contact the police on 111 or the Council on 01483 505050 if they spot QR codes on parking machines or signage.
Press contact: Steven Toplis – e-mail Steven.Toplis@guildford.gov.uk