ALERT: Gardaí issue urgent warning over ‘fake’ QR code scam at Irish parking machines

Irish motorists are being warned to watch out for a sophisticated scam involving fake QR codes placed on parking ticket machines.

The scam could see drivers unknowingly handing over personal and financial information to fraudsters.

An Garda Síochána issued an alert after several fraudulent QR stickers were discovered at parking stations. These bogus codes, which are being placed directly over legitimate ones, direct users to cloned payment websites designed to steal credit card details and personal data.

“Gardaí have been made aware of fraudulent QR codes placed over legitimate ones at parking stations, leading unsuspecting drivers to fake payment websites,” gardaí warned in a post shared on social media.

“These sites look real but can steal your payment details and personal information.”

The scam was previously highlighted in counties such as Dublin and Wicklow, but gardaí have since said it could quickly spread to other areas.

In a post on the Garda Síochána Wexford page, drivers were urged to be extra cautious and shared the following tips:

• Check the website – Legitimate sites usually match the parking provider’s official website. Be cautious if the URL looks suspicious or unfamiliar.
• Look for Tampering – If the QR code sticker looks misaligned, bubbled, or like it’s covering another code, avoid scanning it.
• Manually Enter the Website – If in doubt, type the official parking website into your browser instead of using the QR code.
• Pay at the parking station if in doubt.

Authorities are asking anyone who comes across suspicious QR codes to report them to the relevant county council, parking provider or local Garda station.

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