Irish motorists are being warned to be vigilant of a QR code scam taking place on Pay & Display machines.
Earlier today Fingal County Council posted a video on their social media platforms of a fake QR code sticker being peeled off a Pay & Display machine.
The scam QR code, which has been stuck directly on top of the legitimate QR code, brings users to a fraudulent website which requests credit card details and other personal data.
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Another video posted claimed a woman in Greystones was scammed out of €1,000 by scanning the scam code and filling out the information requested.
The scam QR codes have been reported to An Garda Síochána, but motorists are being advised to avoid any QR codes or bar codes that may appear on Pay and Display machines.
Instead, motorists should download the genuine parking app, Payzone, and use the app directly from their phone's app store. Otherwise, it is advisable to use card or cash where available.
Payzone has responded to complaints around these scam QR codes, saying: "We are aware of this and have reported it to the Gardaí.
"We are urging motorists not to scan any QR Codes. We are currently removing all affected signage.
"If you have entered your card details on a fraudulent website, we recommend that you contact your bank immediately to cancel your card, email info@payzone.ie with details of the QR code and the URL (website) you were directed to so that we can continue to get these sites taken down.
"You should also report the incident to An Garda Síochána."
The company continues: "The safest way to make a payment is via the Payzone app which is unaffected by this issue."
QR Code scam filmed in Fingal 14/10/2024 Photo: Fingal County Council
