Drivers urged to avoid common car park mistake costing motorists hundreds.
A car expert advises drivers how to avoid QR code parking scams.
have surged in recent months prompting Action Fraud to issue an official about their rise In this scam criminals place fake how to pay posters in car parks featuring QR codes that direct drivers to fraudulent payment websites or encourage them to download malicious apps to pay for parking.
However the QR code is not an official payment method and instead directs victims to a fraudulent link that sends money straight to scammers Drivers believe they are paying the parking company but once the payment goes through they are often charged more than expected with funds taken directly from their bank account.
Authorities have been warning about a variety of QR code scams I think the most common is the parking meter scam but no matter where we are if we see a QR code proceed with caution.
The scams have become so widespread that councils across the UK have issued alerts The scheme is already common in other countries where some in a single incident.
Ian Hajyzamanali a car expert at has shared his advice on how drivers can avoid being scammed out of their money The single most important thing is to check the website the QR code takes you to carefully.
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-campnay.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.
You should also inspect the placement 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 out of place it's likely dodgy he added.
Mr Hajyzamanali further advised drivers to look for a saying this was a smart way to avoid scammers He said that paying directly at the machine eliminates the need to scan a QR code and noted that many machines now accept contactless chip and pin or cash adding that sometimes old ways are the safest.
Vigilance is key to protecting finances.
A car expert advises drivers how to avoid QR code parking scams.
have surged in recent months prompting Action Fraud to issue an official about their rise In this scam criminals place fake how to pay posters in car parks featuring QR codes that direct drivers to fraudulent payment websites or encourage them to download malicious apps to pay for parking.
However the QR code is not an official payment method and instead directs victims to a fraudulent link that sends money straight to scammers Drivers believe they are paying the parking company but once the payment goes through they are often charged more than expected with funds taken directly from their bank account.
Authorities have been warning about a variety of QR code scams I think the most common is the parking meter scam but no matter where we are if we see a QR code proceed with caution.
The scams have become so widespread that councils across the UK have issued alerts The scheme is already common in other countries where some in a single incident.
Ian Hajyzamanali a car expert at has shared his advice on how drivers can avoid being scammed out of their money The single most important thing is to check the website the QR code takes you to carefully.
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-campnay.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.
You should also inspect the placement 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 out of place it's likely dodgy he added.
Mr Hajyzamanali further advised drivers to look for a saying this was a smart way to avoid scammers He said that paying directly at the machine eliminates the need to scan a QR code and noted that many machines now accept contactless chip and pin or cash adding that sometimes old ways are the safest.
Vigilance is key to protecting finances.