Fake QR codes found at dozens of parking sites
Sunderland City CouncilDrivers are being urged to be on their guard after fake QR codes were found on dozens of parking machines belonging to a council.
Sunderland City Council said it had removed a total of 27 fraudulent codes at Sheepfolds, Kayll Road, Tunstall Terrace, Farringdon Way, Waterworks Road and Johnson Street.
The scam sees stickers placed on machines, seemingly offering a quick way to pay, but once scanned they direct people to websites that enable tricksters to gather banking details.
The council says it does not use QR codes at any of its parking sites and it is carrying out daily checks in the affected areas.
It warned it was "not ruling out the possibility that other car parks may be targeted".
'Remain cautious'
One person parking at Sheepfolds had £20 taken from their bank account, the council said.
It is urging drivers to pay using only the legitimate RingGo app or website, or by phoning the number shown at each site.
Councillor Lindsey Leonard, cabinet member for environment, transport and net zero, said it was "vital that drivers remain cautious".
"These scams are designed to catch people off guard, and we don't want anyone else to lose money to these fraudsters."
Suspicious QR codes can be reported to the local authority, while anyone who suspects they have lost money is advised to contact their bank or card provider.
The British Parking Association echoed the council's advice, saying: "If in doubt, manually enter the web address into your browser instead of scanning an unfamiliar QR code".
