A growing QR code scam at public electric vehicle charging stations is spreading across Europe, prompting warnings from drivers and security experts, FTN News reported.
The fraud, known as “charging station quishing,” involves criminals placing fake QR code stickers over the original codes on charging points. When drivers scan the altered code, they are taken to a fake payment website that closely resembles a legitimate one. If users enter their credit card or bank details, the information can be stolen.
Security experts say the scam has been reported in several countries, including Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Spain and Italy. They caution that the problem could also be affecting other regions.
In some cases, the fake websites are carefully designed to look real, making it difficult for drivers to notice the difference. Sometimes users may even be redirected to the genuine payment page during a second attempt to pay, which can further reduce suspicion.
Charging operators are responding with guidance for customers. Some recommend using their official mobile apps to make payments instead of scanning QR codes. Others advise drivers to carefully confirm that they are on the correct website before entering any personal or payment details.
In Germany, certain operators encourage the use of their own apps or credit card machines available on highways. Some local utilities have said they continue to trust their QR code stickers and have not reported confirmed incidents of fraud. One company reported finding fewer than 30 charging points in Berlin with fake QR code stickers but said no financial losses have been recorded.
In Spain, an electric mobility group warned drivers in 2025 about fraudulent stickers found at charging stations in several areas. Some of these stickers included QR codes or phone numbers and advertised free charging or very low prices to attract users.
Authorities have advised drivers not to use any stickers that appear to have been added to charging posts and to rely only on official payment systems provided by operators.
Experts say the rapid increase in electric vehicle use across Europe may be contributing to the problem. With hundreds of thousands of charging points installed, many drivers depend on QR codes to complete payments, creating new opportunities for fraud.
Security specialists recommend that drivers carefully inspect charging stations for signs of tampering, use official apps whenever possible, verify website addresses before entering payment information, and consider alternative payment options such as card machines when available.
They also suggest that charging companies could lower the risk by displaying secure payment codes directly on built-in screens rather than using removable QR code stickers, which can be replaced by criminals.
