Urgent warning to Scots drivers over fake parking scam that steals cash
Drivers are being urged to take care when paying using their phones
FRAUD ALERT Urgent warning to Scots drivers over fake parking scam that steals cash
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AN URGENT warning has been issued to Scottish drivers over a fake QR code parking scam which could see them conned out of vital cash.
Perth and Kinross Council have urged motorists to be cautious if they are paying online to leave their cars across the city.
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The fake QR codes are being stuck onto parking meters
Credit: Perth and Kinross Council Facebook
Scammers are now leaving fake QR stickers on parking meters and are designed to look like they were placed by operator RingGo.
The instructions are being stuck to meters and prompt drivers to scan and pay for parking.
But the fake codes actually redirect drivers to a website mocked up to look like the real operator, where bank details are then harvested.
Perth and Kinross Council reminded motorists not to scan them and insisted that RingGo never take parking payments by QR code.
The operator only takes payments through the official app, which uses a secure, encrypted service.
The local authority reported the stunt and said that parking attendants are regularly checking the machines for the stickers.
Any codes found are being removed, and any drivers who come across them are being asked to report them to the council.
Perth and Kinross Council shared a post about the scam on social media to alert locals.
The message on Facebook reads: "Scam Alert: Beware of Fake RingGo Parking Websites.
"Using the RingGo app is a safe and convenient way to pay for parking in Perth and Kinross.
I was SCAMMED out of £100s by hidden sticker parking fee con - know the signs
"However, please ensure you only download the official app from the App Store or Google Play.
"Remember, RingGo never uses QR codes for parking payments. The official app allows you to pay via a secure, encrypted service.
"If you spot any QR codes claiming to let you pay for parking, or see any websites asking for parking payments that don't direct you to the official app, please do not use them.
"Report these to us at: parkingservices@pkc.gov.uk. Stay safe and protect your personal information!"
In the comments, staff added: "The team have been checking our machines and any detected QR Codes will be removed.
"They will also continue to monitor the situation. Thank you."
Users flocked to the comments to share their frustration at the scam, with many urging the council to revert to cash-only parking meters.
One person said: "This is valuable advice. Take notice. We fell for the barcode scam, and got signed up to a random service for £100s."
Advice for victims of fraud
POLICE Scotland has issued some advice on what victims of fraud can do if they think they have been compromised.
They said: "If your bank or credit card accounts have been compromised contact your bank and tell them you suspect you have been the victim of a fraud.
"If you receive correspondence from companies about applications or accounts that you do not recognise, contact the relevant companies immediately and advise them.
"Report the fraud to Police Scotland on 101. Keep a note of any telephone numbers, emails or other correspondence you have had with the fraudster.
"Consider contacting a credit reference agency to review your credit report. If you notice any unauthorised activity contact the organisations involved, as soon as possible.
"If you have been a victim of fraud be aware you details might be sold on to other fraudsters who might make contact with you in an attempt to make you part with more money. This is most common in the case of victims of share scams.
"Fraudsters often call up the victim of such a scam advising they can get their money back for a fee.'
Another added: "Bring back cash only. Will stop all scams".
Someone else wrote: "Shambles - coins are safer".
A fourth posted: "This is good advice for anything QR Code related. Never use a QR code that you cannot be absolutely sure is genuine."
While a fifth chimed in: "That's why it's better if they stick to cash!"
It's not the first time that similar schemes have been discovered across the UK.
In June last year, another QR parking scam was discovered in Aberdeen.
And Charity Action Fraud revealed it had investigated 1,200 cashless parking scams between 2020 and January 2024.
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