Drivers are being advised to avoid using QR codes for parking payments following a rise in scams.

The RAC has urged motorists to make payments using cash, cards, or official apps, warning that fraudsters have recently been placing stickers with fraudulent QR codes on parking signs in areas such as Barking and Dagenham, Northumberland, Northamptonshire, South Tyneside, and Pembrokeshire.

When drivers scan these QR codes with their phones, they are directed to fake websites that request card details, which criminals then use to steal money from their accounts.

A QR code, short for ‘quick response code,’ is a type of barcode that allows users to access a website or download link quickly by scanning it with their phone’s camera. RAC Head of Policy Simon Williams said: “A car park is one of the last places you’d expect to fall victim to online fraud.

“Unfortunately, the growing popularity and convenience of QR codes has made drivers more susceptible to malicious scammers. For some, what should be a quick response code can sadly turn into a quick route to losing money.”

He added, “To make matters worse, drivers could be caught out twice if they don’t realise they haven’t paid for parking and end up receiving a hefty fine from the council.”

Williams advised that the safest way to pay for parking at council-owned car parks is to avoid QR codes altogether. “Most councils don’t even offer QR code payment systems, so if you’re uncertain, steer clear and only pay using cash, card, or via an official app downloaded from your smartphone’s app store.”

He further noted that this “new wave of criminal activity” highlights the need for a unified system that allows people to pay for parking through a single app across the UK.