Scammers target drivers with 'cruel hoax' QR codes

QR codes have been stuck to parking signs in Kensington and Chelsea by scammers

Drivers in west London have been warned about hoax parking payment QR codes used by scammers.

Kensington and Chelsea council said QR codes were stuck to signs in at least six locations in the borough in January.

Cem Kemahli, the council's lead member for planning and place, called the QR codes a "cruel hoax" that had also been "blighting" other parts of the capital.

The council said its parking and street enforcement officers removed the stickers as soon as they were discovered.

"If you use a QR code to pay for parking in Kensington and Chelsea, I guarantee that you are paying scammers instead of the council," Mr Kemahli said.

"Our parking system does not use QR codes at all. Instead you can pay in the PayByPhone app or over the phone."

Locations targeted by scammers included areas around Kensington High Street, Sloane Square and King's Road including Campden Hill Road, Draycott Avenue, Coulson Street, Blacklands Terrace, Culford Gardens, Bray Place and Lincoln Street.

By using the QR codes, drivers risk handing their financial information to scammers and receiving parking fines from the council.

The council issued a similar warning in May last year after hoax QR codes appeared in Sloane Gardens and Bourne Street.

Anyone who spots a scam QR code in the borough, is being asked to email the council.