East Sussex Motorists Warned About Parking Machine QR Code Scam

Drivers in East Sussex are receiving warnings concerning fraudulent QR codes found on parking meters that redirect to deceptive websites. These QR codes have been observed on pay-and-display units situated in Brighton’s Queens Park vicinity. Brighton & Hove City Council stated it was unable to verify the number of individuals who have lost funds or the total number of scam reports received. According to Trevor Muten, the council’s cabinet member for transport, parking & public realm, a dedicated team is engaged in removing the QR codes “as quickly as they can.” These QR codes, affixed to green metal signs, feature a genuine web address that guides users to PayByPhone, the company contracted by the council for processing parking payments. However, they also display a fraudulent QR code. Mr. Muten issued a statement, advising: “We don’t use QR codes on any of our on-street pay and display machines, so any residents who see one should not use them and let us know so we can take action to prevent more people falling victim to this scam.” PayByPhone has been approached for a statement.