Knowsley Trading Standards are warning residents to be aware of scam QR code stickers being stuck on parking meters.
Fraudulent QR codes, known as quishing scams, are most commonly found in car parks as stickers placed on payment machines, according to Action Fraud.
Scam QR codes have also been found on online shopping platforms, and some reports revealed scams impersonating HMRC and other UK government bodies.
These two-dimensional patterns of small black and white squares can be created by anyone. While many are harmless, some act as gateways into a scammer’s trap.
QR code parking scams have been reappearing across the UK. Using its logo, these stickers have been found to impersonate the parking operator RingGo. Scanning the code led to a malicious website designed to gather personal and financial details.
Before scanning a QR code, you should:
- Look for tampering – can you tell that the QR code has been stuck over something? If you’re not sure, enter the website address manually and avoid scanning the code.
- Preview the website address before following it. When you scan a QR code, you should see the address pop up before you’re redirected to it. Check the address to make sure it corresponds with what you were expecting.
- Avoid scanning QR codes in public places, such as car parks. Look for alternative ways to carry out the task. If it’s a car park, there should be information about other ways to pay.
- Avoid using a QR code to make a payment if you can.
- Avoid QR code scanning apps, as it can increase the risk of downloading malware or being redirected to a misleading advert. Most mobile devices have QR code readers within the phone’s camera, so use that to scan QR codes instead.
- Avoid scanning QR codes in emails, as these could be used by scammers to disguise phishing links.
If you lose any money to a scam, call your bank immediately using the number on the back of your bank card and report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or contact Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 2231133.