Warning amid rise in QR code parking scams in North Wales

A warning has been issued amid a rise in scam QR codes being placed on ticket machines across the region.

The most recent incident was in Conwy, where more than 20 of the fraudulent stickers were stuck onto parking meters.

The fake QR codes take individuals who are paying for their parking to a fake website, which encourages the user to enter their bank information.

However this is a scam.

Similar incidents have also been recorded by Denbighshire Council, with the stickers being placed on ticket machines that are operated by the local authority.

A police spokesperson said: “These stickers once scanned are leading to a fake website that for all intents and purposes look legitimate.

“The victim is therefore entering their bank card information to pay for their parking, which the offenders then use to go on a spending spree.

“North Wales Police are working closely in conjunction with the affected County Councils to assist and to further progress the investigations.

“Any persons who have fallen foul of this scam typology are encouraged to contact North Wales Police to report the matter.

“It is very possible that other areas of North Wales will also be targeted by the offenders, particularly as it gets busier into the spring and summer.

“Please share this information with your family, friends and neighbours to make sure that they don’t get caught out.”