Warning to drivers: Pay and display mistake could cost you thousands this weekend

RAC and SecureTeam are warning drivers across the UK are being warned to be on high alert for fake QR codes at car parks or bay that steal card details when people pay online.

Known as “quishing”, this increasingly popular scam involves fraudsters placing fake QR codes on parking meters and signs, tricking motorists into scanning them to pay for parking.

Instead of directing them to legitimate payment platforms, these QR codes lead to fraudulent websites designed to steal personal and financial information. The average loss in the UK from card fraud is £202, but in severe cases could cost thousands.

Below, Ian Reynolds, cyber security expert and representative of SecureTeam explains just why these types of scams are so dangerous and provides key tips on avoiding them.

Why they're such a problem?

"QR codes are widely recognised and trusted by the public and are often seen as a convenient way to make payments or access information quickly. Scammers exploit this trust, making it easy for unsuspecting individuals to fall victim.

QR codes don’t reveal their destination until they’re scanned, so users often have no way of knowing they’ve been tricked until it's too late.

“Those falling victim to a fake QR code may provide scammers sensitive financial information,. This can be used to empty bank accounts, make purchases and commit identity theft, leading to potentially devastating, life-changing financial losses."

“Scammers can operate with a degree of anonymity, making it difficult for law enforcement to trace and prosecute them. The fraudulent websites can be quickly set up and taken down, leaving little trace for authorities to follow. This makes it difficult to hold the perpetrators accountable and prevent future scams.”

What can drivers do to protect themselves?

1. Avoid scanning QR codes in public places unless you are absolutely sure of their legitimacy.

2. Use alternative payment methods like cash or the car park's official app downloaded from a trusted source such as your app store.

3. Inspect any QR code carefully. Scammers often place fake QR codes over legitimate ones, so look out for signs of tampering. A fake sticker may not be aligned perfectly or look newly applied. If anything seems suspicious, avoid scanning the code.

4. If the QR code looks suspicious, report it to the car park operator, local authority or a consumer protection agency. If you do decide to pay via QR code, it’s best practice to monitor your bank statements.”