QR code scams rising in Berkshire and North Hampshire
New data from Action Fraud has shown an increase in the number of offences reported
Data has revealed a rise in the number of reported QR code scams across the Thames Valley and Hampshire police areas.
Figures from Action Fraud show that 200 offences were reported between 2019 to 2024e.
The scams see fake or misleading codes scanned by unsuspecting victims, who are directed to websites and apps controlled by fraudsters and tricked into handing over data such as bank details.
They are most often traced to areas where contactless payments are common, such as car parks, but have also been linked to QR codes displayed on television, in emails and on postal packages.
Simon Williams is a policy manager at the RAC, he says people in Essex need to be "extra vigilant".
"Anytime you see a QR code on top of a sticker, you should assume it's fraudulent. Criminals are placing fake, fraudulent stickers on top of real ones.
"If you see a fake one, you should report it to the company concerned, or council, to get something done about it.
"Councils ought to be looking at this issue more vigilantly.
"Paying by QR code really isn't the best way because it's so open to abuse", he says.
Mr Williams recommends paying by card or by app instead.
Nationally, about 3,000 so-called “quishing” scams have been reported to the UK’s national fraud reporting authority, Action Fraud, since 2019.
Between 2023 and 2024, the number more than doubled.
Trading Standards lead officer Katherine Hart said the figures are likely to represent just a fraction of the problem, which she said is a global issue that is significantly under-reported.
Ms Hart said “huge amounts” of money are being lost as a result of organised criminals using fraudulent QR codes to steal money and personal information.