Drivers Warned of Parking Scam Increase

Motorists are being urged to steer clear of QR codes for parking payments following a series of scams that have emerged across various regions in the UK. The RAC has recommended that drivers utilize cash, cards, or official parking apps instead. Reports indicate that fraudsters have been placing deceptive QR code stickers on parking signs in areas including Barking and Dagenham, Northumberland, and Pembrokeshire, leading unsuspecting drivers to fraudulent websites. When drivers scan these malicious QR codes, they are directed to sites that prompt them to enter their card details, which criminals then exploit to access their accounts. Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC, expressed concern over the vulnerability of drivers to such scams, highlighting that a car park should be one of the last places where individuals expect to encounter online fraud. He noted that the convenience of QR codes has inadvertently made it easier for scammers to target unsuspecting motorists. Williams cautioned that victims of these scams may face additional consequences, such as receiving parking fines if they fail to realize they have not paid for parking. He emphasized that many councils do not even support QR code payments, advising drivers to avoid them entirely and stick to more secure payment methods. This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for a unified payment system for parking in the UK, which would allow users to pay through a single, reliable app, thereby reducing the risk of falling victim to such scams.