Scam alert over fake QR codes in car parks
MOTORISTS have been warned to look out for scam QR codes in one of the region’s most popular tourist areas.
Council enforcement officers have removed the fake codes from car parks in Beadnell, Low Newton and High Newton - just days after South Tyneside and North Tyneside councils issued similar warnings.
The majority of Northumberland County Council car parks are free with a parking disc.
QR codes are only used by the council for motorhome parking, which is charged at £12 per night at Amble Braid Car Park, Bamburgh Links Road Car Park, Beadnell Overflow Car Park and Northumberland County Parks.
However, there are charges at some car parks including at stations and coastal car parks, where the public can pay by machine or via PaybyPhone.
Northumberland County Councillor Gordon Stewart said that the scam was happening across the country, and it’s very easy for motorists to get caught out.
He said: “We urge everyone to stay alert and to pass this message on to friends and family. When a motorist scans the fake QR code to pay, they will be paying criminals. Our Enforcement officers will make regular checks of ticket machines but we’d ask the public to remain vigilant and if they believe they have come across a fake QR code sticker on one of our parking machines to report it.”
Northumberland County Council urged anyone who thinks they have been a victim of the scam to contact their bank. A fake QR code on a parking ticket machine which appears to be fraudulent, can be reported to the council on 0345 600 6400.