Warning issued over parking machine QR code scam

Brighton & Hove City Council has warned people not to scan QR codes when paying for parking

Motorists in East Sussex have been warned against scanning QR codes on parking meters which lead to scam websites.

The QR codes have appeared on pay-and-display machines in the Queens Park area of Brighton.

Brighton & Hove City Council could not confirm how many people had lost money, or how many had reported the scam.

Trevor Muten, the council's cabinet member for transport, parking & public realm, says a team is removing the QR codes "as quickly as they can".

The QR codes, which are printed on green metal signs, include a legitimate web address, directing users to the website of PayByPhone - the company the council uses to process its parking payments - but also show a bogus QR code.

Mr Muten said: “We don’t use QR codes on any of our on-street pay and display machines, so any residents who see one should not use them and let us know so we can take action to prevent more people falling victim to this scam.”

PayByPhone was contacted for comment.