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Police warning drivers over increase in QR code parking scams

Getty Images A black box with a blue bubble with the letter P in it, in white font. It sits on the black tarmac pavement with a red cycle lane running along the right hand side of it. Dark red brick flats can bee seen to its left. Cars can be seen out-of-focus driving along the road. Getty Images
Some councils have issued online warnings after a rise in the scams

Police are urging motorists to be cautious after an increase in reports of QR code scams for car parking.

Fake stickers are placed over legitimate QR codes on parking meters and signage, directing users to a fake website which is then used to steal personal and financial information.

Belfast City Council confirmed to BBC News NI that it had removed a sticker from a pay and display machine in one of their car parks on Thursday morning.

Mid Ulster and Ards and North Down Borough Council have also issued warnings about scams relating to the RingGo app.

Last year, some of Northern Ireland's councils introduced a new cashless payment system for some of its pay and display car parks through apps like RingGo.

Ards and North Down Borough Council A black Box is photographed. It sits in-front of three blue cars. There is a large green button in the centre, beside it to the right, is a smaller green button. Above the buttons is a green screen with the time displayed on it. Below the buttons is a black coin slot. The other half of the photo is a barcode with the words 'RingGo' above it. There is a red line through the picture. Ards and North Down Borough Council
The QR code (right) that the council are warning drivers about

A statement from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said it had received reports of drivers entering their credit card details into the fake portals, leading to unauthorised transactions.

"It's important that the public are aware of these scams and what they can do to avoid being a victim," it added.

Police say they are continuing to work with councils and private car park operations to find and remove the fake stickers.

How can I avoid the QR code scam?

Following a surge in reports, police have issued the following advice to help motorists determine whether the QR code is legitimate:

  • Inspect the code carefully, ensuring there are no signs of tampering or other stickers being placed on top. If you're unsure, enter the website URL manually
  • Use the official parking apps instead of accessing the website via the QR code
  • Check the website domain matches and ensure it is secure by looking out for https:// at the beginning of the URL
  • Report anything suspicious to the police or parking provider immediately