Car park scam at Thornaby station

[Craggsy2]

This is rather worrying. I will think twice about using QR codes in the future:

Thornaby: Woman targeted in £13k train station QR code scam

Rail firm TransPennine Express has since removed QR codes from all of its station car parks.

www.bbc.co.uk

 

[grumpyoldgit]

Not using QR codes on a regular basis, I suspect they'd have fooled me initially.

 

[kader63]

This is going to happen more unfortunately, what's wrong with cash.

 

[MoggasDog]

This is frustratingly all down to the fact that these companies are looking to cut costs wherever they can. They are using technology that is very easy to hack or emulate. I really feel sorry for older people who are not as tech savvy as some.

 

[Boro_Interlinked]

a QR code like this will be stuck on over the existing inline one so you will be able to see and feel the raised edges. This has been pointed out on security sites as something to look for a warning . Also , my QR reader allows me to see the url before asking if I want to go ahead and redirect. I don't know if they all do that but scammers are quite thick usually about trying to form a genuine looking url

 

[Corcaigh_the_Cat]

This is going to happen more unfortunately, what's wrong with cash.

Cash involves people.

 

[ThatFragranceGuy]

The QR code just takes you to the payment site. You can enter the site manually, or you can use the app, or there is usually a telephone line option.

This is going to happen more unfortunately, what's wrong with cash.

Machine can fill up. Machine can run out of tickets. Machine can be robbed. Someone needs to empty the machine which will need to be a secure service as cash. Money then neets sorting, counting and paying in at a bank, a process prone to theft or loss, and machines can easily go out of order.

If you don't want to use the QR code, just use the URL or telephone number on the sign instead or download the app, for which it gives you a name.

 

[Colgates_shaving_foam]

I am a huge fan of technology and can't remember the last time I used cash.

BUT, I think it is scandalous and quite possibly illegal that car parks can exclude people from parking unless they have a smartphone and are able to use apps/QR codes.

I would have thought there is a test case or two in the offing

 

[ThatFragranceGuy]

I am a huge fan of technology and can't remember the last time I used cash.

BUT, I think it is scandalous and quite possibly illegal that car parks can exclude people from parking unless they have a smartphone and are able to use apps/QR codes.

I would have thought there is a test case or two in the offing

no app or smart phone is required. just a telephone. I imagine more people have a telephone than carry change in the car. There is a payphone at thornaby station.

 

[Colgates_shaving_foam]

no app or smart phone is required. just a telephone. I imagine more people have a telephone than carry change in the car. There is a payphone at thornaby station.

If only it were that simple.

Unfortunately there are plenty of people out there who struggle to read their card number or type it into the keypad.

Similarly to how the decision to scrap ticket offices in train stations has been reversed. I think there should always be an option to pay cash to park. At least for the foreseeable.

 

[Corcaigh_the_Cat]

It's the system so it's good. Who cares about those unable to use it. And while we're on isn't it time that decision to keep train ticket offices open is ridiculed.

 

[atypical_boro]

I certainly don’t believe cash should be prohibited, but it is convenient not to have to carry a wallet around or remember PIN numbers.

 

[ThatFragranceGuy]

Unfortunately there are plenty of people out there who struggle to read their card number or type it into the keypad.

They can set the app up and it's as simple as tapping a button. Many car parks you can even pre book in advance.

If they can't read their card number nor type on a keypad imagine they would struggle to read and understand the terms on the parking machine or even know if they have to pay at all, so this doesn't sound like a new challenge, just different circumstances, but I'd also question the safety of people who can't read small numbers in front of them driving a ton and a half of metal around - surely they'd equally be able to need to read speedometer and see other details?

 

[El Guapo]

I think it is important to remember here that the only thing in the wrong here is the scammer.

 

[the_dormouse]

Before we had a police force anybody found stealing a loaf of bread was given a massive prison sentence or sent to Australia. This was a deterrent to warn other people who were thinking of stealing. I think they should go down the same road with scammers massive prison sentences or if you steal someones pension or life savings you should get life in prison.

 

[junos_boots]

Well now that they have backed down on closing the ticket office, just allow you to pay in there. Problem solved, or it would be if the private company that runs the station hadn't then cashed in by flogging the car park off to someone else.

 

[Corcaigh_the_Cat]

Well now that they have backed down on closing the ticket office, just allow you to pay in there. Problem solved, or it would be if the private company that runs the station hadn't then cashed in by flogging the car park off to someone else.

Makes far too much sense.

 

[ThatFragranceGuy]

Makes far too much sense.

excerpt for the minor detail that it's a 24 hour car park and the ticket office isn't always open.

 

[Corcaigh_the_Cat]

excerpt for the minor detail that it's a 24 hour car park and the ticket office isn't always open.

It's not a 24 hour rail service, the ticket office covers the vast majority of train departures. If you don't want to buy a ticket by speaking to someone you can always use the automated service.

 

[Nano]

If only it were that simple.

Unfortunately there are plenty of people out there who struggle to read their card number or type it into the keypad.

Similarly to how the decision to scrap ticket offices in train stations has been reversed. I think there should always be an option to pay cash to park. At least for the foreseeable.

If they can't read a card number they probably shouldn't be driving.

The main problem with app only payment is that phone signal isn't always guaranteed. And the other problem is every car park needing a different app.

I am completely opposed to pay up front parking though. It's a scam designed to make you pay for more time than you need. You should only pay the cost for the time you are there.