Warning Issued to Drivers Amid Increase in Parking Scams

Officials have issued a warning to drivers regarding an increase in parking scams that deceive individuals into making payments on fraudulent websites. These schemes include text messages requesting money and the use of QR codes that redirect users to deceptive online pages. These fraudulent activities have been observed in ten council districts throughout the North East region. Durham County Council specifically cautioned motorists that penalty notices are never issued via text message. Det Supt Gary Miles, who leads the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau, advised: “Make sure you pay in the safest way by either paying at the machine, via a phone number or through the official app provided by the parking organisation.” The fraudulent text messages mimic official council communications, instructing recipients to settle a penalty charge notice (PCN) within 28 days to avoid additional fines and legal action. Durham County Council clarified that legitimate PCNs are dispatched through postal services or affixed to vehicle windscreens within yellow envelopes. Elizabeth Scott, the cabinet member for economy and partnerships, recommended that individuals refrain from clicking any payment links and promptly delete such messages. QR codes, positioned in car parks, guide users to websites that mimic genuine companies like PaybyPhone or RingGo. Nevertheless, these fraudulent sites employ altered web addresses, for instance, “pay–by–phone.com.” Scott reiterated, “We would never contact vehicle owners by text, and we only accept payment at our car parks via the payment machine, or through the official PaybyPhone app or website.” The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) noted that security software frequently fails to detect malicious QR codes, urging individuals to exercise vigilance when scanning them in locations such as stations or car parks. Det Supt Miles stated: “If you scan a QR code and it takes you to website you feel doesn’t look right, do not share any personal or financial information and leave the website immediately.” He further emphasized: “You should never pay for parking via a bank transfer.”