Cardiff Council has issued an urgent warning after fraudulent QR code stickers were discovered on parking machines across the city.
The council is urging drivers not to scan any QR codes they may come across, as these could lead to fraudulent websites designed to steal personal or financial information.
A spokesperson for Cardiff Council stressed that QR codes are never used as a method of payment for parking in the city. Instead, drivers should continue to use the official MiPermit app or the MiPermit website when paying digitally.
“Cardiff Council does not use QR codes on its parking machines,” the spokesperson said. “If you see one, please do not scan it. The only safe ways to pay are through the MiPermit app, the MiPermit website, or by using cash or card directly at the machine.”
The warning comes amid growing concerns about scams targeting motorists in busy city centres. Fraudsters have been known to place convincing stickers on parking machines in the hope that drivers will scan them without realising they are being directed to a fake site.
Once scanned, these codes can take users to websites that closely mimic legitimate payment pages. Victims are then tricked into entering sensitive information such as bank card details, which can be used to commit fraud.
Cardiff Council is now inspecting parking machines to remove any fraudulent stickers and has urged the public to remain vigilant.
Advice for motorists includes:
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Never scan a QR code on a parking machine in Cardiff.
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Only use the official MiPermit app or MiPermit website for digital payments.
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If you believe you have entered your details into a fraudulent site, contact your bank immediately.
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Report suspicious stickers or activity to Cardiff Council.
The council also reassured residents that its enforcement teams are working to check machines regularly and remove any fraudulent material as quickly as possible.
