Warning issued for scam QR codes on parking machines in Hartlepool

Hartlepool Borough Council is issuing urgent advice to make sure drivers do not fall foul of the scam, which has seen fake QR codes stuck to parking pay and display machines across the town. The Council’s Community Safety Team are removing the fake stickers as soon as they see them or are made aware by members of the public.

Over the last couple of weeks, the stickers have been spotted at several locations including car parks in Seaton Carew.

One of the fake QR codes on a RingGo machine in Seaton Carew

Cllr Karen Oliver, Hartlepool Borough Council’s Chair of Neighbourhoods Services, said: “This is an urgent warning to protect those living and visiting our town. Our parking pay and display machines will never use QR codes to allow you to pay. If you need to pay for your parking by phone, then you should download the official Ring Go app to pay or call 01642 919000.

“This warning only applies to car parks which are managed by Hartlepool Borough Council. There are some privately managed car parks within the town and these may have other payment methods in use.”

“Our Community Safety Team have and will continue to respond quickly when alerted to these fake stickers, but I urge members of the public to inform us if they spot them on any of the machines.”

Scanning the QR codes can have many unfortunate consequences include handing over your financial information to scammers.

Scams of this nature have been reported in various locations across England over the last 12 months.

If you spot a fake QR code on one of the parking pay and display machines, you can call the Hartlepool Community Safety Team on 01429 523100.