Vigilance urged in Wiltshire car parks over fake QR code scams
The RAC and Wiltshire Council have issued advice on avoiding the scam
Last updated 18th Mar 2025
Advice has been issued to drivers in Wiltshire when paying for parking amid reports of fake QR codes being stuck on parking information in car parks.
The codes steal payment information and the cash used to pay, while leaving parked cars unpaid for, and at risk of further penalty.
RAC Head of Policy, Simon Williams, says we should avoid using QR codes to pay for parking.
"It's something you have to be very mindful of," he said, adding that we should pay with cash or card at pay machines in car parks, or use apps on our phones to pay.
He told Greatest Hits Radio that using those alternative payment methods will protect us from a scam that is an easy trap to fall into.
"It is so easy for these fake QR codes to be stuck on top of the correct one and you could easily miss it," Mr Williams said.
He's urging vigilance from drivers and has issued advice on how we can help tackle the issue.
"Any time you see a sticker on top of a QR code, you should assume it's fraudulent," he said.
Mr Williams added: "You should report it to the company or council concerned to get something done about it."
Wiltshire Council said it's invested in new payment machines, allowing us to pay with cash or make a contactless payment with a card or mobile device.
Parvis Khansari, Corporate Director – Place, said: “We have only had one incidence were a fake QR code was found in a Wiltshire Council car park, but we are not complacent and check the QR codes in all our car parks regularly.
“To protect yourself from scams in any car park you use, we would encourage people to follow three simple steps – check for tampering, inspect the QR code for signs of tampering and do not scan it if it looks like a QR code has been placed over the original.
"Look closely at the website address, when you scan a QR code check the web address displayed is legitimate*.
"Use the official app or website for secure payments, if in doubt, do not scan the QR code and instead look for the parking provider app in the app store or using their official website.”
- To quickly check if a site is legit or a specific URL is safe, use a website safety checker such as Google Transparency Report