Latest news with #RingGo
BBC News
08-08-2025
- BBC News
Warning as fake RingGo car park QR codes appear in city
Motorists have been urged to be "vigilant" after fake QR codes have appeared in car City Council (PCC) said it had found a "small number" of fake RingGo stickers on its payment codes lead to fraudulent websites designed to steal peoples' bank details, the council urged people to be "vigilant and report anything suspicious". A PCC spokesperson added the authority does not use QR codes and information on how to access RingGo, a cashless parking app, was on its machines.
Daily Record
22-07-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Record
UK drivers warned of parking fine sent in the post that you must not pay
Driving scams are on the rise across the UK, with experts warning Brits of the three most common methods that could cost thousands of pounds Motorists are being cautioned about driving scams that could leave them out of pocket by thousands - including one that comes in the post. Experts are urging vigilance as these fraudulent schemes are reportedly increasing - and they could be pretty easy to fall for. From fake fines in the post to deceptive QR codes and suspicious communications masquerading as DVLA messages, motoring specialists at LeaseLoco are alerting the public to take action before it's too late. According to Lloyds Bank, it's the younger demographic, particularly those aged 25-34, who are most frequently ensnared by vehicle-related frauds such as second-hand car swindles and sham insurance offers. Older drivers aren't immune either, with a significant number falling prey to counterfeit online transactions and parking penalty ruses. John Wilmot, CEO of LeaseLoco, said: "Unfortunately driving-related scams are really common and they work well for fraudsters because they can create a sense of urgency. "A lot of these scams will urge you to quickly pay a fee to avoid facing bigger fines. When we see something like this we often rush to get the payment done rather than stopping and checking the legitimacy of the message or letter. "The good news is there are ways to spot these scams which can prevent you from losing any money. For example, if you've been contacted via text message to pay a fine, be conscious of who it is from. Organisations like the DVLA will never ask for money or personal information on a text message. "By taking a moment to verify the legitimacy of these alerts you could save yourself from losing out on potentially thousands of pounds." Three driving scams you may not know about 1. QR codes on parking meters Fraudsters are placing bogus QR code stickers on parking meters, attempting to trick motorists into scanning them and handing over money for fake parking fees. To keep yourself safe, stick to established parking apps such as RingGo or PayByPhone. Bear in mind that the majority of local authorities don't use QR codes for transactions. They usually provide a machine or depend on official applications instead. 2. 'DVLA messages' Fake DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) communications frequently claim that your licence requires renewal or that your vehicle tax payment has been unsuccessful, putting pressure on you to hand over personal information. Keep in mind that the DVLA says it will never demand payment or confidential details via email or text message. Steer clear of clicking any links in these communications and always navigate to the DVLA website directly through Remember, always be cautious if people use a sense of urgency when it comes to payments. Speaking of the DVLA, motorists might be interested to learn that the official body themselves have issued an alert to certain drivers. In a separate announcement, they reminded motorists to refresh their details to avoid potential complications down the line. They noted that those who have changed address must swiftly alter their records. The DVLA cautioned: "If you've changed address, update your driving licence details and vehicle log book with DVLA online." 3. PCN fines The third warning highlights that fraudsters may resort to sending counterfeit parking charge notices through the post, pressuring you to settle a fake parking fine before it escalates. However, before parting with any money, it's crucial to know that a legitimate PCN notice will detail the date, time and location of your supposed infringement. If you're still uncertain about the authenticity of your letter, it's always advisable to get in touch with the relevant council's parking department to verify if the fine is indeed genuine.
BBC News
27-06-2025
- Automotive
- BBC News
Parking: Drivers urged to look out for fake RingGo QR code scam
Police are urging motorists to be cautious after an increase in reports of QR code scams for car stickers are placed over legitimate QR codes on parking meters and signage, directing users to a fake website which is then used to steal personal and financial City Council confirmed to BBC News NI that it had removed a sticker from a pay and display machine in one of their car parks on Thursday Ulster and Ards and North Down Borough Council have also issued warnings about scams relating to the RingGo app. Last year, some of Northern Ireland's councils introduced a new cashless payment system for some of its pay and display car parks through apps like RingGo. A statement from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said it had received reports of drivers entering their credit card details into the fake portals, leading to unauthorised transactions."It's important that the public are aware of these scams and what they can do to avoid being a victim," it say they are continuing to work with councils and private car park operations to find and remove the fake stickers. How can I avoid the QR code scam? Following a surge in reports, police have issued the following advice to help motorists determine whether the QR code is legitimate:Inspect the code carefully, ensuring there are no signs of tampering or other stickers being placed on top. If you're unsure, enter the website URL manuallyUse the official parking apps instead of accessing the website via the QR codeCheck the website domain matches and ensure it is secure by looking out for https:// at the beginning of the URLReport anything suspicious to the police or parking provider immediately
BBC News
23-06-2025
- Automotive
- BBC News
Exeter car parks 7% price hike plan
Car park charges could go up by about 7% in Exeter with the price of a two-hour ticket in the city centre hitting nearly £ City Council is considering putting up the cost of parking across the city with a two-hour stay in a central car park going from £4.50 to £ the price increases are approved by the council's executive car parks are expected to raise about £11.5m for the authority every year.A council report says the number of car park users is expected to decrease over time and the council relies on car park income to fund many of its services. A charge for using the RingGo parking app - which has previously been covered by the council - could be passed on to the customer under the proposed report says the council's car park team will "put a greater focus on parking enforcement" as there is a "potential that customers of city centre car parks opt not to pay for parking".The city council previously announced plans to build a new temporary car park in the city centre on the site of the old bus station and has said money raised from that car park will be spent on the authority's Net Zero work.A decision is due to be made on the proposals at a meeting of the council's executive on Tuesday.
Daily Record
22-06-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Record
Motorists warned of 5 new driving scams costing Brits thousands
Fraudsters are using 5 new tactics to trick drivers out of money. Motorists are being warned to be aware of new scams targeting British drivers. Fraudsters are costing motorists thousands of pounds with five new key tactics. From tampered QR codes on parking meters to convincing fake DVLA messages - drivers are being urged stay vigilant or risk losing their hard-earned cash. In 2024, scam reports to the DVLA soared to nearly 20,000, prompting motoring experts at LeaseLoco to make drivers aware of how to spot suspicious activity and avoid being caught out. While younger drivers aged 25-34 are the most common victims of vehicle-related scams like used car fraud and bogus insurance deals, older motorists are increasingly being targeted too - with fraudsters preying on their uncertainty around online payments to issue fake parking fines. John Wilmot, CEO of car lease comparison website LeaseLoco, said: 'Unfortunately driving-related scams are really common and they work well for fraudsters because they can create a sense of urgency. 'A lot of these scams will urge you to quickly pay a fee to avoid facing bigger fines. When we see something like this we often rush to get the payment done rather than stopping and checking the legitimacy of the message or letter. 'The good news is there are ways to spot these scams which can prevent you from losing any money. 2025 scams driver should to be aware of QR codes on parking meters Scammers are placing QR code stickers onto parking meters in the hopes of tricking motorists to scan the QR code and 'pay' for their parking. To avoid being caught out, stick to using official car parking apps such as RingGo and PayByPhone. It's also worth noting that most councils won't use QR codes for payment, but will instead tend to provide a machine or stick to apps. DVLA messages Fake DVLA messages often state that your license needs updating or that your car tax has failed, forcing you to hand over sensitive information. It's important to remember that the DVLA will never ask for money or personal information via email or text. Never click on any links within these messages and only access the DVLA website through Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. PCN fines Scammers may send fake parking charge notices to your house by post, urging you to pay a fake parking charge before the fine increases. A real PCN notice will have the date, time and location of your alleged violation. If you're still unsure whether your letter is real or not you can contact the council's parking department to check if the fine is genuine. Used car sales Be wary of any car deals that look too good to be true on online marketplaces. In 2023, nearly half a million pounds was reported as lost to Facebook car scams. Scammers will often post a fake ad for a car at a very low price and ask people interested for an upfront payment via bank transfer. They avoid having anyone come and see the car in person by claiming to be abroad too. When purchasing a used car, never make a payment before seeing the car in person and check the vehicle history on the government website. Toll or congestion charge messages Drivers can receive messages claiming they owe money for crossing a toll or congestion zone followed by a 'pay now' link. Before opening any links, remember that any genuine toll notifications will come from or other verified operators such as TfL, M6 Toll and Dart Charge for Dartford Crossing.
