Colin Ambler/cvnznews.com
Fake parking QR codes have been discovered across Wellington, prompting police to warn drivers to be on high alert as scammers attempt to harvest credit card details from unsuspecting motorists.
Wellington City Council parking staff have removed around a dozen fake stickers from parking meters in recent days, after noticing QR codes that did not match the council’s official payment system. The stickers were designed to look legitimate, blending in with existing meter labels.
When scanned, the QR codes directed users to a fraudulent website asking for details such as vehicle licence plate, intended parking duration, and ultimately credit card information. Police say several complaints have already been received.
In a public warning issued on Thursday, Wellington District Police urged residents to treat any QR code on a parking meter with caution.
“They might look legitimate but aren’t,” police said. “These fake codes are scamming people parking on the roads through a false payment system.”
Council staff are continuing to remove the stickers as they find them, but authorities say public vigilance is crucial. Police are asking anyone who spots suspicious QR codes — or has information about who may be placing them — to get in touch.
The scam mirrors similar incidents reported in Christchurch earlier this year, where fake QR codes were found on both council‑owned and private parking machines. Cyber‑fraud experts say QR‑based scams are becoming increasingly common because they are cheap to produce and easy to deploy in public spaces.
Wellington City Council is reminding drivers that official parking payments can be made only through the council’s meters, the PayMyPark app, or authorised payment channels.
Police say the investigation is ongoing and encourage anyone who believes they may have entered their details into a fake site to contact their bank immediately.
