Fake QR codes have been appearing on parking machines around County Durham to scam people.

Durham County Council have warned people that they would not put QR codes on parking meters.

They have outlines the only three ways people can pay for parking:

  • use your phone (PayByPhone)
  • cash
  • contactless payments (where provided)

A Durham County Council spokesperson said: "We do not use QR codes for any payment methods in any of our pay and display car parks or spaces.

"Fake QR codes have been found on number of parking meters across the North East.

"Members of the public have also notified us about scam texts they have received to say that a parking fine is outstanding to their local council and to click the link on the text to pay it.

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"It appears to the public that this is from a ‘gov’ phone number. The link is taking the customer to a site to pay £20.

"This appears to be a http://gov.uk website. This is also a SCAM."

If you notice a QR code in any North East car parks or parking places you are asked to inform Parking Services via email at parkingservices@durham.gov.uk or phone on 03000 263 985.