A WARNING has been issued about fake QR codes which have been spotted on parking machines in Stroud. 

Bogus QR codes have been placed on parking meters at the London Road Car Park, Stroud District Council say. 

When scanned the fake codes take members of the public to a fraudulent website, a council spokesperson added. 

SDC warns there is a danger money could be taken from people's bank accounts if they visit the website.

A district council spokesperson said the scam stickers have been removed, and its officers are monitoring the situation closely.

In a statement, they said: “We’re warning vehicle owners to be aware of two parking scams.

“Our officers have discovered stickers with scam QR codes on SDC ticket machines.

"And we are aware of a different scam where a text message tells people they have to pay a fine.

“The QR codes have been stuck to ticket machines (pictured), and link mobile phones to a website which charges users to park, using credit or debit cards.

“Parking at an SDC car park is paid for using the MiPermit app, or with cash at ticket machines in the car parks.”

The council spokesperson added: “The second scam sends vehicle owners a text message which asks them to enter their vehicle registration, followed by payment.

“Penalty Charge Notices are only issued by Stroud District Council’s enforcement officers, who will attach the notice on to a vehicle’s windscreen. 

“We do not contact vehicle owners via text.”
 

Fake QR codes have been placed on parking meters in Stroud, SDC says (Image: Google Maps / SDC)