UK drivers are being warned about a surge in sophisticated parking scams just as the government rolls out a new initiative aimed at simplifying the way people pay to park. With mobile payments now dominating the parking landscape, fraudsters are exploiting technology through a scam known as “quishing”, where fake QR codes are placed on parking terminals, tricking motorists into handing over their card details to fraudulent websites.
Quishing works by redirecting users to a fake but convincing payment portal when they scan the bogus QR code. Once drivers enter their personal and financial information, scammers can steal their money, often without the victim even realising it until much later. In one alarming case, a 71-year-old woman in Thornaby lost £13,000 after falling victim to one of these scams.
Figures show that QR-related scams are on the rise, with Action Fraud receiving over 1,300 reports last year, more than double the year before.
Chris Ainsley, head of fraud risk management at Santander UK, highlighted that many people remain unaware that their information has been compromised in this way, especially if they don’t receive a parking fine straight away.
Adding to the confusion, scammers have also been sending out fake penalty charge notice texts.
These messages claim the recipient owes money and prompt them to click a suspicious link, which then harvests sensitive data. Unlike official PCNs, which are typically issued via post with clear appeal instructions, these texts use urgency and fear to pressure people into quick action.
The rise in scams comes as the government unveils its National Parking Platform (NPP), a project that unifies existing parking apps like JustPark, RingGo, and PayByPhone under one system.
Rather than launching a new app, the platform allows drivers to use their preferred app at any participating car park.
Currently live in ten local authorities including Manchester, Liverpool, and Coventry, the NPP is handling over half a million transactions a month across more than 470 sites.
The system has been developed in partnership with the British Parking Association and is being run on a not-for-profit basis.
Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood said the platform is part of a broader “Plan for Change” that supports drivers by improving infrastructure and reducing parking frustrations.
So far, the scheme has launched without cost to the taxpayer.
Despite this progress, experts say the rise of app-based parking makes it even more important for drivers to stay alert.
Anyone spotting a suspicious QR code should avoid scanning it, and always check that the web address is secure and legitimate before entering personal details.
Drivers are also encouraged to report any scam attempts to their bank and local authorities, and to forward suspicious texts to 7726 for investigation.
As parking becomes more digital, officials hope the new system will bring greater ease and consistency, so long as users remain aware of the dangers lurking in the small print.