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Hospital warns of QR code parking scam

BBC A square black and white QR code made up of random geometric shapesBBC
QR codes can be scanned by mobile phones to quickly direct users to websites

Visitors to Totnes Community Hospital are being warned to be vigilant after a scam QR code label was found on one of the site's parking machines.

Scanning a scam QR code can direct users to fraudulent websites designed to steal payment information, said the British Parking Association (BPA).

One visitor to the hospital reported on social media that more than £140 was taken from her bank account after scanning the code.

Hospital staff said the fake QR code label had now been removed and car parks at the site are being closely monitored.

Emma Bovey fell victim to the scam on a recent visit to Totnes Hospital.

"I scanned the QR code on the machine and it took me to what I thought was the parking website, asked what site I was at how long I wanted to pay for," she said.

She added: "They took £146.79 which came out of my account and then tried to take a further £849 but thankfully I didn't have that much in my account.

"Thankfully the fraud team with NatWest refunded my money by the next working day."

Emma Bovey The front of a Park and Pay machine at Totnes hospital with a square QR code image in the top right corner and cars parked behind.Emma Bovey
The fake QR code had been stuck to this parking machine at Totnes Hospital

A spokesperson for Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust said: "Following the discovery of a scam QR code stuck on a machine at Totnes Community Hospital, we are currently monitoring all of our payment machines in car parks across our hospitals and healthcare sites.

"We believe this aligns with similar reports of scam QR codes affecting car parks both in our region and across the country.

"Please be vigilant and familiarise yourself with the information and advice available on parking association and scam alert websites."

The BPA offers this advice to help users spot and avoid scam QR codes:

  • Always inspect QR codes for signs of tampering. If it looks like it has been placed over the original, do not scan it.
  • When scanning a QR code, always check that the website address (URL) is legitimate, or is from the relevant app store link.
  • For secure payments, always use the relevant official app or website.

The warning about the QR code scam comes as the BBC launches Scam Safe Week, offering tips and advice to help fight fraud.

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