Chester Council warns drivers over fake parking QR code scam

Drivers parking in Cheshire are being warned about a rising scam in which fake QR codes are placed on parking machines to trick motorists into entering their payment details on fraudulent websites.

The scam, known as ‘quishing’, involves fraudsters sticking counterfeit QR codes onto payment machines in car parks. When scanned, these codes direct motorists to fraudulent websites that request credit or debit card details, which criminals then steal.

Victims not only risk financial loss but could also face parking fines from councils or private operators for failing to complete a legitimate payment.

Cheshire West and Chester Council says it is checking all council-owned car parks for fraudulent QR codes but has so far only found them in privately-owned car parks.

Councillor Christine Warner, the council’s Cabinet Member for Homes, Planning and Safer Communities, said: “Our parking team is currently checking all council-owned car parks, but so far only privately-owned car parks in the borough have been affected.

“The QR codes, which have been stuck to ticket machines, link mobile phones to a fraudulent website and dupe motorists into entering their credit and debit card information.

“Parking at a council-owned car park is paid for by cash or card at ticket machines in the car parks. Alternatively, pay-by-phone is available through APCOA, AppyParking, JustPark, PayByPhone and RingGo. The council does not use QR codes for parking payments.”

The Council is urging residents and visitors to remain vigilant and be aware of such scams.

Some motoring and financial organisations are advising motorists to never use QR codes and only to pay by cash, card or official app.