Urgent police warning issued over rising scams targeting car parks in Greater Manchester

Police have issued an urgent warning over a rising scam that is targeting car parks and parking meters in Greater Manchester.

Three QR fraud cases were reported in the region last week, typically found in open spaces like car parks. Fraudsters typically use a fake QR codes and stick them over a real scan code on parking meters or machines.

They then take victims to a 'genuine looking payment site' which, when data is inputted, steals their personal and financial information.

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Greater Manchester Police said that after the pandemic, there has been a 'steep rise' in the use of QR codes, which are targeted by cyber criminals using the technology to defraud people out of money.

Warning people of the rising scams, GMP said: "Last week in Greater Manchester, three QR code fraud cases were reported and officers from GMP’s Economic Crime Team are out in communities across Greater Manchester daily giving out fraud prevention advice.

"QR code fraud is more likely to happen in open spaces, such as car parks or parking meters. With this type of scam, fraudsters will put a fake QR code sticker over a real QR code on a parking meter and the fake QR code will take users to a genuine looking payment site which will steal personal information and in some instances financial information."

The force gave a number of tips to avoid falling victim to the scams, including:

If you feel as though you or someone you know has been a victim of fraud, report to Action fraud by calling 0300 123 2040.