Public Charger Scams: QR Codes, Card Skimmers and How to Pay Safely

The common scams

• Fake QR codes — a sticker placed over the genuine QR code sends you to a look-alike payment site that steals card details. This is the most widespread charger scam in the UK, Europe and North America.
• Card skimmers — a device fitted over the card reader copies your card, sometimes with a tiny camera for the PIN.
• Fake apps — copycat apps in app stores that mimic real networks to harvest logins and payment cards.
• Fake support numbers — a sticker with a 'helpline' that is actually a scammer who asks for card details to 'reset' the charger.
• Phishing messages — texts or emails claiming a charging session failed and asking you to 'update payment details' via a link.

How to spot a tampered charger

1. Look at the QR code: a sticker on top of another, misaligned, or a different style from the rest of the unit is suspicious. Genuine codes are usually printed or engraved into the panel, not stuck on.
2. Check the URL a QR code opens before entering anything — it should match the network's official domain, with a secure padlock.
3. Wiggle the card reader; skimmers are often loosely fitted and may come away.
4. Prefer contactless tap over inserting the card.
5. Treat any number on a sticker with suspicion — use the number in the official app or on the network's website instead.

The safest ways to pay

If you think you've been scammed

• Contact your bank immediately to freeze the card.
• Report the charger to the network through its official app or website so they can remove the sticker or skimmer.
• Report it to your national fraud or cyber-crime service.
• Change the password on any charging account you may have entered on a fake page.

Using ChargEV to check the operator and network before you arrive helps too — you will know which official app to open rather than relying on whatever is stuck to the charger.