Motorists across the UK are being warned about a dramatic rise in parking QR code scams.

Fraudsters are increasingly targeting drivers using fake payment stickers at car parks and roadside parking machines.

As cash payments for parking become a thing of the past and Councils look to save money, it seems to be the motorist picking up the extra costs.

Price of parking

Consumer groups, parking operators and cybersecurity experts say the scams have become significantly more common over the past year as more councils and private parking firms encourage contactless and app-based payments.

The fraud typically involves criminals placing fake QR code stickers over legitimate parking payment instructions.

Unsuspecting drivers who scan the code are redirected to fraudulent websites designed to steal payment details, personal information or banking credentials.

Industry experts warn that the scams are becoming more sophisticated, with some fake websites closely mimicking legitimate parking apps and council payment portals.

Authority concerns

Police forces and fraud prevention bodies have issued repeated warnings in recent months as reports of QR code-related fraud have continued to rise.

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has previously warned motorists to be cautious when scanning QR codes in public places, particularly on parking machines where stickers may have been tampered with.

Cybersecurity experts say criminals are exploiting the growing public familiarity with QR-based payments, which accelerated during and after the pandemic.

Older motorists are particularly vulnerable, both because of a higher level of ignorance about modern tech and because they are more likely to use car parks regularly.

Fraud prevention service Action Fraud has also warned that QR scams, sometimes referred to as “quishing” attacks, are becoming an increasingly common form of cybercrime.

 

Vigilant parking

Parking operators say motorists should carefully inspect parking machines before scanning codes and avoid using QR links if anything appears suspicious, such as poorly applied stickers, spelling errors or unusual website addresses.

Experts recommend downloading official parking apps directly from trusted app stores rather than using QR codes displayed on machines.

Drivers are also being advised to:

• Check website URLs carefully before entering payment details
• Avoid making payments through unfamiliar links
• Use contactless card payments where possible
• Monitor bank statements for suspicious transactions
• Report suspected scam QR codes immediately to parking operators or police

Consumer groups say many victims only realise they have been targeted after unauthorised transactions appear on their accounts days later.

Industry responds

Parking firms and local authorities have begun increasing inspections of ticket machines and signage in response to the growing threat.

Some operators are introducing tamper-resistant QR labels or removing QR code payment options entirely in higher-risk locations.

Others are increasing messaging reminding drivers that official parking payments should only be made through approved apps or websites.

The British Parking Association has previously acknowledged the issue and urged operators to inspect payment machines to quickly identify fraudulent stickers regularly.

Cybersecurity specialists say parking scams form part of a broader rise in QR code fraud across retail, hospitality and transport sectors.

Unlike traditional phishing emails, QR scams often appear more trustworthy because they are encountered in physical locations that people assume are legitimate.

Experts warn scammers are increasingly targeting environments where users are distracted or in a hurry, such as car parks, railway stations and airports, making them less likely to carefully verify websites before entering payment information.

 

Security and safety

Beyond financial fraud, cybersecurity professionals warn that fake QR sites can also install malware onto smartphones or harvest personal data for identity theft.

With more drivers relying on mobile payment systems for parking, campaigners say public awareness needs to improve quickly to prevent the scams from becoming even more widespread.

A spokesperson for the National Cyber Security Centre has previously advised users to “stop and check” before scanning unfamiliar QR codes, particularly where payment details are involved.

Motoring groups say the rise of QR code fraud reflects the broader challenge of balancing convenience with cybersecurity as digital payment systems become increasingly common in everyday driving and travel.

As councils and operators continue to shift towards cashless parking systems, experts warn that vigilance from both motorists and parking providers will be essential to tackling the growing problem.