Councils from every corner of the United Kingdom are raising the warning flag. They’ve stumbled onto a new kind of scam artists using fake QR codes stuck on parking signs. Fraudulent codes are increasing in a scam known as “quishing,” a worrisome trend. This phenomenon preys on the growing use and convenience of QR codes by drivers.
The scam is ripping off vulnerable drivers. When unsuspecting victims scan these counterfeit QR codes with their smartphones, they’re directed to shady websites that try to steal their names, addresses, phone numbers, and credit card numbers. News reports indicate that electric vehicle charging stations nationwide are making use of the same practices. Law enforcement of every kind is most concerned about this trend, especially local government.
Simon Williams, a cybersecurity expert, has released a warning. During his testimony, he cautioned that the rise in use of QR codes has, perhaps unwittingly, made drivers more susceptible to scams. He stated, “Unfortunately, the increasing popularity and ease of using QR codes appears to have made drivers more vulnerable to malicious scammers. For some, this sadly means a Quick Response code could in fact be a ‘quick route’ to losing money.”
More than the financial impact, the fallout from becoming a target of these scams can go deeper. Williams said that drivers who genuinely do not know they need to be paying are in danger of facing high fines from municipalities. He remarked, “As if this quishing scam isn’t nasty enough, it can lead to drivers being caught out twice if they don’t realise they haven’t paid for parking and end up getting a hefty fine from the council.”
Given the seriousness of these threats, drivers across the country are trying to avoid payment with cash. Even though digital payment systems are more popular now than ever, Williams pointed out that “at least a third of Americans still like to pay with cash.” He explained that this preference is increasingly challenging to continue. As a result, a growing number of councils are now eliminating cash payments and conventional payment machines altogether.
With the world of parking payments changing so quickly, councils advise drivers to stay informed and aware. Never scan a QR code without checking that it’s safe. So next time you’re out driving, biking or walking — if you see something concerning or unsafe, speak up right away.