QR code parking scams surge, victims lose money to monthly subscriptions

While visiting Caernarfon with his wife, Les Howard scanned a QR code on a parking meter and installed an app that turned out to be a scam, resulting in an initial £1 debit and a subsequent £60 monthly subscription taken from his account. He reported the issue to his bank, which confirmed the unauthorized recurring charge. The car-park authority, Cyngor Gwynedd, stated it does not employ QR codes for payments and has previously removed fake stickers.

Report Fraud recorded a rise from 341 to 2,743 QR-code-related complaints in the last twelve months, indicating a 700% increase over four years. The National Cyber Security Centre warned that criminals are exploiting QR codes in various settings, including emails and public spaces, and advised using built-in phone scanners rather than third-party apps. Experts highlighted the ease with which QR codes can conceal malicious links, contributing to their growing appeal to fraudsters.