Organised crime gangs are behind a surge in QR code scams across the UK, according to experts.
Criminals are using fake QR codes placed in locations such as parking meters and restaurants to trick victims into sending them money.
The BBC reported that Action Fraud saw 1,386 incidents of the scam last year, compared with only 100 in 2019.
Katherine Hart, lead officer at the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, said: “We’ve seen huge amounts lost this way.
“People have seen their life savings gone and that money is going to finance criminals.”
She also warned that victims often fail to report quishing scams, creating a “huge challenge” in tackling the crime.
There have even been reports of the QR codes being used on parcels, emails and on television.
When someone scans the code, they are directed to a fraudulent website designed to trick users into entering their personal and financial information.
Ms Hart suggested that those tasked with placing the codes are under instruction from those above them in the gang, and may not be aware of the consequences of their actions.
Data from Action Fraud highlights the worrying and quick growth of the scam, with reports doubling between 2023 and 2024.
Those tricked by scammers only lose a small sum in the beginning, while criminals gather data for their “secondary scam”.
“You might lose £2.99 and a lot of people won’t report that and don’t realise they’ve passed on their information to a criminal organisation,” said Ms Hart.
“Days or weeks later, they get a call telling them they’ve been the victim of a fraud and they can pinpoint a day, because they already have all of the information you shared with them earlier.
Criminals will pose as police, from the bank or Trading Standards, and “want to take everything you’ve got”, according to Ms Hart.
National Car Parks, who run 800 sites across the UK, are now considering removing all QR codes from their payment machines.
A new “rigorous process” was implemented to stop criminals placing fake codes, involving checks throughout the day.
A spokesman for the company said several of its car parks had been affected and they were now taking measures to reduce the impact of scams.
Have you lost money to a scam? Contact National Fraud Helpline. Call 0333 0033218 or fill out our Claim Form.