Experts are warning drivers to be cautious when using public electric vehicle charging points amid fears that fake QR codes could trick people into giving over their financial information.
Pictures and videos have been circulating on social media showing a driver tearing a black QR code sticker from an Ubitricity poster instructing drivers on how to use the electric car charger.
It is not known what website the black QR code links to, but experts are now calling on drivers to ensure they only scan green QR codes, which can be seen underneath the black sticker.
There are fears that the scam sticker could lead to a fraudulent website that steals information or tricks the driver into sending money to an account not linked to the chargepoint operator.
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Experts have urged motorists to make sure they are scanning a legitimate barcode when charging their EV
X/FAIRCHARGE
Speaking to GB News, Quentin Willson, founder of FairCharge, warned drivers to check they are being safe when charging their electric vehicle.
He said: “To avoid this scam EV drivers should note that the Ubitricity signs attached to their Simple Socket charging lamp posts have green barcodes that are laminated into the sign and not stuck on.
“The fraudulent ones are a black and white sticker that’s been put over the original barcode.
“You can feel the edges with your fingernails. If you see one pull it off and never use it to pay for charging.”
Shell Recharge Ubitricity is the UK’s largest EV charging point provider, having a 15.4 per cent market share with almost 8,300 chargers, in addition to more than 10,000 chargers across Europe.
Many of the Ubitricity chargers are found on lampposts or bollards, allowing people without a driveway to ensure their vehicles are charged, as well as boosting driver confidence in the charging network.
Quentin Willson continued, saying: “FairCharge has been told that the dodgy barcode takes you to a very convincing look-a-like website posing as a proper Ubitricity payment portal.
“If you give your card details the scammers could plunder your account. This is the first real EV scam that FairCharge has seen, so pass the word around the EV community and stay safe.
“We also think you should be vigilant with parking payment barcodes too.”
The latest data from Zap-Map shows that there are almost 54,000 public electric vehicle charging points across 31,000 locations, as of December 2023.
There has been a 45 per cent increase in the total number of charging devices since December 2022, although only 877 new EV chargers were added last month.
The Government continues to push ahead with its aim to install 300,000 chargers by the end of the decade to cope with the demand for electric vehicles in the future.
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The UK’s charging network is expected to hit 100,000 EV chargers in 2025
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GB News has contacted Ubitricity for a comment.