Home > Latest News > Charities & Wellbeing > Residents reminded to be vigilant of QR code and parking fine scams

Residents reminded to be vigilant of QR code and parking fine scams

Chris

2/18/2025 10:04:09 AM

Charities & Wellbeing

3 mins read

North East Lincolnshire residents are being urged to remain vigilant when parking following a spike in fraudulent QR codes and parking fines.

 

A number of car parks across the borough are installed with pay by phone parking where drivers scan a QR code and pay through an online portal.

 

However, recent reports from the National Anti-Fraud Network (NAFN) suggest an increase in fake QR code stickers being placed over legitimate ones.

 

These fake codes are being used by fraudsters to direct payees to a website where they are led to believe they are paying for their parking. Examples of the fake links include:

 

 

 

Previously, NAFN reported several phone numbers sending messages claiming to be from the relevant local authority stating that the recipient must pay a parking fine by clicking a supplied link.

 

However, these links are in fact fake with the message stating that the supposed fine requires immediate payment.

 

These messages included wording similar to: “Please Pay a parking penalty charge notice (PCN) issued by a local council. If you do not pay a PCN within 28 days, you’ll get a ‘charge certificate’ and you’ll have 14 days to pay the original fine plus 50% more.

 

“If you do not pay you’ll be prosecuted - you may have to pay a bigger fine as well as court costs. Please pay your fine at the link after reading the information”

 

“If you do not pay a PCN within 28 days, you’ll get a ‘charge certificate’ and you’ll have 14 days to pay the original fine plus 50% more.”

 

Residents are reminded that they should remain vigilant and ensure to check any messages or websites they use in relation to parking cars across the borough.

 

Councillor Ron Shepherd, Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger Communities, said: “These fraudsters are becoming increasingly clever with their tactics to extort money from our honest residents.

 

“We are committed to working with bodies like NAFN to stamp out any fraudulent activity across our car parks. I urge people to be certain that any links, text messages or QR codes are legitimate when making payments for things like parking and fines.”

Other Articles You Might Like

Chris

4/25/2025 8:20:54 AM

Ocean Colour Scene announce York Barbican show taking place on Saturday 26th July 2025.
Indie-rock legends Ocean Colour Scene announce they are coming to York Barbican on Saturday 26th July 2025.
Entertainment 4 min read

Stuart

1/11/2024 3:46:24 PM

North East Lincolnshire Council’s Cabinet set to discuss a pre-let for the Sea Road building in Cleethorpes
Sea Road, in the heart of the town, has been remodelled over the last few years, with the former “Waves” site being demo...
Business 3 min read

Chris

8/8/2025 8:39:00 AM

Digital innovation in children’s services earns national award nomination
Innovative practice and collaboration between children’s services and IT have revolutionised the safeguarding and outcom...
Achievements 4 min read

Chris

1/10/2025 9:42:08 AM

Make sure to nominate a foster carer, charity or local veteran for a Civic Award before time runs out
People in North East Lincolnshire are being encouraged to nominate their community heroes for a Civic Award before time ...
Achievements 4 min read