Warning after scam QR codes appear in car parks

The fake QR codes first appeared on Thursday

Motorists have been urged to be vigilant after scam QR codes appeared at car parks across Cheltenham.

People have been tricked into paying via their phone to fraudulent accounts, Cheltenham Borough Council (CBC) said.

The fake codes were first spotted on parking ticket machines this week, CBC said, and council officers have since been patrolling car parks to remove them.

“Residents, businesses, and visitors are asked to use the main payment methods in our car parks, including cash, card and Apple Pay – and not to use any QR codes if present," the council's deputy chief executive, Paul Jones, said.

"Our parking team was made aware of the issue after a member of the public reported fraudulent activity on her bank account to the police, which she believed was due to using a QR code in Cheltenham car park.

“Our officers will continue to patrol and check the car parks, removing any more fraudulent QR codes as necessary," Mr Jones added.

Officers spent Thursday and Friday searching car parks, and believe they have now removed all of the fake codes.

Potential victims of the scam have been urged to contact their bank at the earliest opportunity, a council spokesperson added.