Drivers warned over fake QR code parking fine scam

Coventry City Council said it had received reports of fake penalty charge notices

Drivers have been warned to look out for bogus parking fine notices containing fake QR codes.

Coventry City Council said it had received reports of fake penalty charge notices around the city.

The fake QR codes for payment were designed to trick drivers into entering their bank details on scammers’ websites, it said. Motorists who received a real parking fine should pay via the council’s website, over the phone, or in person at their customer service centre.

Several towns and cities, such as Telford, Reading and Southampton, have reported a similar scam in recent months where fake QR codes were stuck on parking meters.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency also issued a warning in September about scammers sending text messages about fake parking fines, which encouraged drivers to click on a link and enter their details.

Coventry City Council said if people came across a fake QR code or a website that they believed was fraudulent, they should report it to the National Cyber Security Centre.