QR code scams on the rise in Somerset

New data has shown a major jump in recorded offences.

Author: Hannah RichardsonPublished 11th Apr 2025

Data has revealed a stark rise in the amount of QR scams plaguing Somerset car parks.

Police data shows that 71 offences have been recorded by Avon and Somerset Police between 2019 to 2024.

With the biggest jump of 34 offences in 2024.

The scams see fake or misleading codes scanned by unsuspecting victims, who are directed to websites and apps controlled by fraudsters and tricked into handing over data such as bank details.

They are most often traced to areas where contactless payments are common, such as car parks, but have also been linked to QR codes displayed on television, in emails and on postal packages.

Trading Standards lead officer Katherine Hart said the figures are likely to represent just a fraction of the problem, which she said is a global issue that is significantly under-reported.

Ms Hart said “huge amounts” of money are being lost as a result of organised criminals using fraudulent QR codes to steal money and personal information.

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