Beware summer swindles: My guide to the latest cons

MARTYN JAMES YOUR CONSUMER RIGHTS CHAMPION

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If there's one subject that drives people mad, it’s scammers.

Spring is upon us and the con artists are out in force, adapting their strategies to catch us out.

Here's my guide to the latest spring and summer swindles to watch out for.

QR CODES AND PARKING

Some scams are so simple yet effective it's almost mind boggling. My inbox is currently filled with messages from furious readers complaining that they were tricked when trying to pay for private parking fees by scanning a QR code on the parking notice.

It turns out that fraudsters have been sticking fake QR codes over the real ones. These codes direct you to a fake site where your bank details and cash are stolen - and you get fined for not paying the parking fee too!

You can challenge the fines, but I suggest routinely photographing the parking poster now, just in case.

HOLIDAY BOOKING SCAMS