Scammers put fake QR codes on parking machines in Sale and Sale Moor

Drivers are being warned to be on the lookout after scammers posted fake QR codes on pay-and-display parking machines in Sale.

Warrener Street © Google Maps

Parking wardens working for Trafford Council discovered four bogus barcodes at the Oakland’s Drive car park in Sale. Further inspections revealed more codes on machines at Warrener Street and Hampson Street in Sale Moor. The QR codes were quickly removed and officers will check all machines across the borough regularly to protect drivers from the fraudsters.

Council car parks in Sale, Trafford do not use QR codes.

Cllr Rose Thompson, Executive Member for Communities and Safety, said: “These scammers will stop at nothing to defraud innocent people of their money.

“It’s happened in other parts of the UK and people have lost thousands of pounds after inputting their details into the fake website.

“We urge people to be careful. When it comes to paying at a Council-owned car park, please use your card or download the RingGo app to your Smartphone.”

The RingGo app is available for Council car parks in Trafford. The free app allows drivers to check how long they have left before they must return to their car – or they can top up their parking payment on the app if they need more time.

If anyone sees fake QR codes at car parks or anything suspicious, please report it to parking@trafford.gov.uk.