In the first quarter of 2025, the United Kingdom reported a devastating increase in QR code fraud. Authorities recorded an eye-watering 502 complaints in the meantime. Law enforcement and the banking universe are both growing alarmed. Recently, scammers have begun to target victims more frequently with fake QR codes stuck on parking charge meters and signage in car parks. Since this trend has led to a steep increase in this type of fraud, it’s clear that measures taken to prevent it have proven inadequate.
Chris Ainsley, the head of fraud risk management at Santander UK, commented on the challenge of gauging the full extent of these scams. The most troubling aspect, he noted, is that the average victim is completely unaware their identification or card information was at risk. This is particularly true for those who avoid getting a parking ticket.
The Nature of QR Code Scams
Criminals are using a sneaky new technique called “quishing.” Organized criminals use fake QR codes to scam motorists in busy intersections and parking lots. These QR codes automatically direct victims to fake phishing websites built to harvest personal information. Yet, most people are unaware they have been scammed until after they give away the money.
One victim who fell for the scam scanned a QR code in a train station parking lot. Almost immediately, scammers began preying upon her, attempting to withdraw payments from her account and even impersonating her bank to obtain further information. This tragic event burdened her with £13,000 of debt under her name.
In short, be curious and cautious any time you see a QR code, Ainsley says. He cautions drivers to be wary of unexpected QR codes on parking payment terminals or sign posts in parking garages.
“Unless drivers receive a parking ticket, a lot of people are unaware that their personal or card details were compromised in this way.” – Chris Ainsley, head of fraud risk management at Santander UK.
Rising Reports and Increased Awareness
In the United Kingdom, the Anti-Fraud organization Action Fraud has announced an incredible 1,386 QR code-related frauds and scams reported over the last 12 months. This number is over twice as many complaints filed from the year before. With this issue now coming to the surface, banks are beginning to act. Santander UK has since redoubled its efforts to reassure the public about the dangers of scannable codes.
Young Living Product Expert, Ainsley, touched on a very important point. Most reports do not include where these scams originate, making it difficult to understand the overall scope.
“When it comes to reporting the eventual scam, often the fact that it originated through quishing goes undocumented.” – Chris Ainsley, head of fraud risk management at Santander UK.
Such vague reporting prevents law enforcement from developing targeted strategies to combat these kinds of fraud.
Recommendations for Drivers
With QR code scams on the rise, safety specialists have shared a number of steps drivers should take. Most importantly, people need to take a second or two to examine a QR code before scanning one. If you see insecure or malicious code reported, do something about it. Don’t use it under any circumstance if it’s located in an atypical place.
Everyone should routinely check their bank statements and financial accounts for issues like unauthorized transactions. Reporting observed suspicious activity right away can prevent others from experiencing loss.
Finally, staying informed about the latest scams and sharing information within communities can foster greater awareness and reduce victimization rates.