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Kensington QR Code Parking Scam Warning - How to Pay Safely

•Kensington Pulse

Urgent Warning: Fake QR Code Parking Scam Targeting Drivers in Kensington and Chelsea

Drivers parking in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC) are being urgently warned about a dangerous and recurring scam involving fake QR codes placed on parking payment signs. Described by the council as a "cruel hoax" that has also been "blighting" other areas of London, these scams aim to steal financial information by tricking drivers.

This isn't the first time the borough has faced this issue; a similar warning was issued in May of the previous year, highlighting the persistent nature of this threat.

What is the Scam?

Criminals are attaching stickers featuring QR codes onto official parking signs throughout the borough. These stickers are designed to look legitimate, aiming to fool drivers into scanning them to pay for parking. However, Kensington and Chelsea Council explicitly states they do not use QR codes for parking payments.

Scanning these fake codes directs users to malicious websites designed to harvest banking details or trick them into paying the scammers directly. Victims risk not only handing over sensitive financial data but also receiving parking fines from the council for failing to pay the correct fare through official channels.

Fake QR code stickers have recently been found in several locations, including areas around:

  • Kensington High Street
  • Sloane Square
  • King's Road (including Campden Hill Road, Draycott Avenue, Coulson Street, Blacklands Terrace, Culford Gardens, Bray Place, and Lincoln Street)

Council officers are actively removing these stickers as soon as they are discovered or reported, but vigilance is crucial.

Cllr Cem Kemahli, lead member for planning and place at RBKC, stated: "This is an urgent warning to protect drivers in Kensington and Chelsea. If you use a QR code to pay for parking in Kensington and Chelsea, I guarantee that you are paying scammers instead of the Council. Our parking system does not use QR codes at all."

How to Pay for Parking Safely in Kensington and Chelsea

To avoid falling victim to this scam, never use a QR code to pay for parking in the borough. Instead, use one of the official payment methods:

  1. PayByPhone App: Download and use the official PayByPhone app on your smartphone.
  2. PayByPhone Phone Call: Call PayByPhone directly at 020 7023 9078.
  3. PayByPhone Text: Text PayByPhone on 65565.
  4. PayByPhone Website: Pay securely via the official website: https://www.paybyphone.co.uk
  5. Cash Payments: If you need to pay with cash, visit an authorized PayPoint location.

Using these methods ensures your payment goes directly to the Council and your parking session is valid. You can find more details on the official RBKC Visitor Parking page.

Spotted a Fake QR Code? Report It!

If you see a suspicious QR code on any parking signage in Kensington and Chelsea, please report it immediately to help protect others. You can inform:

  • The Police via their non-emergency number 111.
  • The Council's Parking Enforcement team via email: enquiries@rbkcparking.com. The council specifically requests emails for reporting these scam codes.

Stay alert, use official payment channels, and help keep Kensington and Chelsea safe from these parking scams.

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