Number of reported QR code scams on the rise across West Mercia
New data from Action Fraud has shown an increase in the number of offences reported
Data has revealed a rise in the number of reported QR code scams across the West Mercia region.
Figures from Action Fraud show that 37 offences were reported between 2019 to 2024 to West Mercia Police.
The biggest increase came in 2024, where 17 were reported compared to eight back in 2023.
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.
Rebecca Smith is a fraud and cyber protect officer from West Mercia Police, she says people need to take care.
"It has been an issue within West Mercia, especially for parking meters where physical QR codes have been replaced on top of the the genuine ones," she said.
"We now have that mobile phone in our hands that can scan the codes so more companies use the QR codes and therefore more criminals use them as well.
"When you look at the QR code, if it's sending you somewhere to download an app, go to the verified app store instead of using the QR code to download that app, don't make financial payments through a QR code and check to see if it has been tampered with."
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.