A MAJOR scam warning has been issued to drivers parking in the capital – as fraudsters have placed fake payment codes at Pay and Display machines.
Dublin City Council (DCC) issued the warning after it was made aware of the fake QR codes being deceptively placed at parking machines in the Dublin area.
DCC is urging drivers not to scan any QR codes that may appear on Pay and Display machines or on Payzone signage.
A QR code is a square of black and white pixels that can be scanned on smartphones to allow easy website access.
DCC believes that when scanned, the fake QR code stickers bring drivers to fraudulent websites that are clones of the proper pay site.
These websites then steal credit card details and other personal data that is inputted.
The council has said it passed on all reported incidents to An Garda Siochana.
A spokesperson said: “Dublin City Council would like to warn the public that it has been made aware of fake QR codes being placed on a number of Pay and Display parking machines in the Dublin City Council area.
“This fake QR code sticker brings the user to a fraudulent cloned website which requests credit card details and other personal data. All reported incidents have been passed to An Garda Siochana.
“As a precaution Dublin City Council is advising all users not to scan any QR codes that may appear on Pay and Display machines or Payzone signage. “
DCC reminded those driving around the city that credit cards can be used to pay at the machines as well as cash.
They urged the public to download the correct Payzone parking app directly to their phone instead of scanning a code.
‘BE CAREFUL’
DCC urged anyone who notices anything suspicious at a Pay and Display parking machine to contact Payzone or An Garda Siochana.
They continued: “Users are reminded that they can pay using cash or credit cards at the machines and are advised that if they wish to pay online that they download the correct Payzone parking app directly to their phone.
“We encourage everyone to be careful when paying online, and to ensure they are using a genuine app.
“Should anyone notice anything suspicious or if a scam has taken place, please contact Payzone or An Garda Siochana.”