QR Code Scam – Fake Parking Meter Stickers
High RiskGot a message, call or offer like this?
Take your time. Treat it as a scam until you have checked it yourself.
- Don't tap links, reply, or ring numbers it gives you. On a call, hang up.
- Don't pay, and don't share card details, PINs, passwords or codes.
- Check with whoever it claims to be, using contact details you find yourself.
Overview
Criminals place fake QR code stickers on parking meters and signage in Irish cities. When scanned, these codes bring you to a convincing fake payment site where your card details are stolen. The scam exploits the growing use of QR codes for contactless payments in public spaces.
Typical Targets
- •Drivers paying for parking in city centres
- •Tourists unfamiliar with local parking systems
- •People in a hurry who scan without checking
- •Anyone using public parking facilities
Why This Scam Works
- •QR codes cannot be read by humans, making it impossible to spot a fake
- •People trust official-looking stickers on parking meters
- •Urgency of needing to park quickly reduces caution
- •Fake payment pages look identical to legitimate ones
- •Small transaction amounts (€2-5) don't trigger suspicion
Example
In Dublin city centre, a driver scanned a QR code on a parking meter to pay €3.40 for two hours. The code led to a fake site that looked like the official ParkByText service. After entering their card details, €847 was taken from their account over the following 48 hours through multiple small transactions.
* An illustration of how this scam works, not from a victim case we hold.
How to Avoid This Scam
- Use official parking apps downloaded from App Store or Google Play
- Look for signs of tampering – stickers placed over existing QR codes
- Check the URL carefully before entering any payment details
- Use the meter's built-in payment options if available
- If in doubt, pay at a nearby shop or use coins
- Report suspicious QR codes to the local council
If You've Been Caught Out
Don't panic – take these steps immediately:
- 1Contact your bank immediately to report the fraud and freeze your card
- 2Request a chargeback for any fraudulent transactions
- 3Report the scam to An Garda Síochána
- 4Report to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC)
- 5Take photos of the fake QR code and its location for evidence
- 6Check your other accounts for suspicious activity
* This information is for guidance only. Always seek professional advice for your specific situation.
Who to Contact for Help
Your Bank's Fraud Line
Check your card
Report immediately to freeze card
An Garda Síochána
Local stationReport the fraud at your local Garda station. 999 or 112 is for emergencies only
CCPC
01 402 5555
Consumer protection advice
FraudSMART
fraudsmart.ie
Banking fraud prevention
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New scam warnings and safety tips, as we publish them.