EV Charging Scams: What They Are and How They Are Affecting People

In recent months, we've seen some concerning trends emerging in EV charging scams targeting EV drivers. I wanted to shed light on these fraudulent activities so you're aware of them in the future.

The "Cheap Public Charging" RFID Card Scam.

One of the scams involves criminals offering supposedly discounted access to public charging stations.

Here's how it typically works:

1. Scammers claim they can provide cheap public charging at various sites through "roaming."
2. They offer RFID cards that allegedly grant access to these discounted rates.
3. Victims are asked to pay a fee (often around ￡15) for the card.
4. The card never arrives, and the scammer disappears with the money.

If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Legitimate charging networks don't tend to offer such steep discounts through third-party resellers.

QR Code Tampering Scam.

An incident in London recently brought another type of EV charging scam into focus. An EV driver uncovered a sophisticated scam while attempting to charge his electric vehicle.

Here's what happened

1. Scammers placed high-quality forged stickers over legitimate QR codes on lamppost charging points.
2. These fake QR codes directed users to a fraudulent website instead of the official payment portal.
3. The EV owner noticed something was amiss when the scanned code led to an unfamiliar website.
4. Upon investigation, the driver peeled back the fraudulent sticker to reveal the genuine QR code underneath.

This incident highlights the evolving nature of EV charging scams and the need for constant vigilance.

How to Prevent Being a Victim of Fraud

1. Use official channels: Only use official apps and websites of well-known charging networks.
2. Verify before you pay: Double-check the charging network's official rates and payment methods before making any transactions.
3. Inspect charging points: Before use, carefully examine the charging point for any signs of tampering or added devices.
4. Protect your information: Never share sensitive personal or financial information in response to unsolicited communications.
5. Stay informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest scams and fraud techniques targeting EV drivers.
6. Use secure payment methods: Use credit cards or official charging network apps for payments, as they often offer better fraud protection.
7. Enable multi-factor authentication: Where available, use this extra layer of security for your charging accounts.
8. Please report suspicious activity: If you encounter anything suspicious, please report it to the charging network immediately.

Fighting Back: Industry Response to Fraud

The EV charging sector is taking the threat of fraud very seriously. In a significant step towards combating these issues, an anti-fraud panel is being established within the sector. This development demonstrates the industry's commitment to protecting consumers and maintaining the integrity of EV charging infrastructure.

As the industry continues to evolve and strengthen its defences against fraud, we can expect to see more robust security measures and consumer protection initiatives in future.

A Word of Thanks

I want to thank Sebastian Fleischhacker , the Central Roaming Manager at Spirii for his invaluable contributions in highlighting these issues. His LinkedIn posts have been instrumental in raising awareness about these scams, and I wanted to share this information as widely as possible.

One final note - please stay informed and vigilant. There's always someone out there who will see new technology and infrastructure as an opportunity to scam someone else; you just need to ensure it's not you.

Thanks for reading

Liz