Irish motorists are being warned of a new scam targeting unsuspecting parkers across the country. Dubbed “quishing,” this high-tech con involves fake QR codes placed on parking meters, potentially leading to drained bank accounts and stolen identities.
Fingal County Council recently released a video showing two suspicious stickers on a parking meter in Malahide, Co Dublin. One sticker was brazenly placed on the front of the machine, while another covered the legitimate QR code on the side.
When scanned, these fraudulent codes direct victims to a convincing but fake website that asks for credit card details and personal information. It’s a digital pickpocket’s dream come true.
The scam isn’t limited to Dublin. Wicklow County Council reported similar incidents in Greystones, prompting a county-wide inspection of parking meters. Both councils have reported the matter to An Garda Síochána, who say enquiries are ongoing.
“As a precaution, Wicklow County Council are advising all users not to scan any QR codes or bar codes that may appear on Pay and Display machines or Payzone signage,” a spokesperson said.
This “quishing” trend isn’t unique to Ireland. Similar scams have been reported in the UK and across the United States, from Florida to California.
To stay safe, Fingal County Council urges drivers to use the official Payzone app for parking payments rather than relying on potentially tampered QR codes.
So, the next time you’re parking your car, remember: that innocent-looking square code might be more interested in your bank balance than your parking time. Stay alert, and keep your hard-earned euros where they belong – in your pocket, not a scammer’s.
According to The Journal, this new scam highlights the growing sophistication of cybercriminals and the need for constant vigilance in our increasingly digital world.