Drivers across County Durham are being urged to remain vigilant after fake QR codes were found in council-run car parks.
Durham County Council has issued a fresh warning today (Friday, August 21) reminding drivers that it does not accept parking payments through QR codes.
The renewed appeal follows an earlier warning last month after QR codes began appearing on or near payment machines in council-owned car parks and parking places.
The authority has warned that the codes are fraudulent and could direct drivers to scam websites designed to take payments or obtain personal and banking details.
In its latest message, the council said: "Watch out for parking scams.
A parking machine in one of the council-owned car parks
(Image: DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL)
"Fake QR codes have been placed in some car parks, but we do NOT accept parking payments via QR code."
Residents using Durham County Council car parks should only pay using a parking machine, with cash or card, or through the official PayByPhone app.
Anyone who spots a QR code in a council car park or parking place is being asked not to scan it and instead report it to Parking Services.
Reports can be made by calling 03000 263 985 or emailing parkingservices@durham.gov.uk.
The council first highlighted the issue last month after stickers carrying QR codes were discovered on parking machines.
At the time, a Durham County Council spokesperson said: "QR codes have been left in council car parks or parking places as an option to pay for parking.
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"Our car parks DO NOT have any on or off street parking place that is payable by QR code.
"You should only make payment using the payment machine (cash or card) or through the PayByPhone app."
Further information about scams currently being reported in County Durham is available through the council's website at durham.gov.uk/currentscams.