QR Code Scam

Scammers can use QR codes in several ways to trick people and steal their information.

The convenience of cashless parking comes with risks, scammers can take advantage of people in a rush, and you are likely to be less vigilant in these situations than a phishing email or text message.

How it works

The Scammer creates a QR codes that direct you to fake websites designed to look like a legitimate payment page. This site will then ask for your credit card details, and may even ask for sensitive information like login credentials.

Some QR codes can trigger your device to send SMS messages to premium numbers, resulting in unexpected charges.

A fake ‘payment successful’ page means you think you’ve paid for your parking.

What should I do if I accidentally scan a suspicious QR code?

In this scenario you may realise something is wrong when you come back and find you have a parking ticket.

• Change Your Passwords: If you re-use passwords across multiple sites, it’s important to reset this password quickly to stop the scammer gaining access to things like your banking, email or social media accounts. Find out more about Improving Password Security

• Check for Unusual Activity: Look for any unauthorized transactions or changes in your accounts. If you find any, report them to your bank or relevant service provider immediately

To stay safe, always be cautious when scanning QR codes. Verify the source, preview the URL if possible, and avoid scanning codes from unknown or suspicious sources. Using a secure scanning app can also help detect malicious links before they cause harm.