RingGo Parking Scam - How to Protect Yourself

The Two Main RingGo Scams

1. The Fake QR Code Scam ("Quishing")

Scammers print realistic-looking stickers and place them on top of official parking meters or RingGo signage.

• The Trap: Scanning the code redirects you to a cloned, fraudulent website that looks exactly like the official RingGo App Login.
• The Cost: The site prompts you for your vehicle registration and payment details. It will charge a small fee to appear legitimate, but it is actually harvesting your debit/credit card information to steal hundreds of pounds.
• The Double Penalty: Because the payment goes to a scammer and not the parking authority, you will likely still get a real parking fine for failing to pay.

2. The Fake Parking Fine Text Scam (Phishing)

You receive an urgent SMS text message claiming you have an "outstanding parking payment," an "unpaid parking session," or a "Parking Charge Notice".

• The Red Flags: The message originates from a standard mobile number, a personal email address, or an international area code. It threatens that your credit record will be affected or your license revoked if you do not click the link to pay immediately.
• The Fact: Neither RingGo nor local UK councils send text messages demanding immediate payment for parking fines. Official parking fines are issued on your windscreen or sent by post.

How to Protect Yourself

• Download the App Directly: Only download the official app from the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or by visiting the verified myRingGo website.
• Avoid Search Engine Ads: Avoid googling the app on your mobile browser; scammers often buy the top "Sponsored" ad slots on search engines to direct users to fake registration-fee websites.
• Never Scan Parking Machine QR Codes: Pay using the app, call the phone number printed directly on the meter, or use cash/card if a terminal is available.
• Verify Messages in the App: If you get a text message and are unsure, open your official app, log in, and check your Receipts / History tab. If it is not there, the text is a scam.

If You Were Scammed

1. Contact Your Bank Immediately: Tell them you used a fraudulent parking site. They can freeze your card, stop pending unauthorized transactions, and monitor your account.
2. Report the Incident:
   • Report the website or text to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).
   • Alert the local council operating the car park so their wardens can physically remove the malicious stickers.