Drivers using parking machines are urged to be cautious of QR code scams that lead to fraudulent sites.
Someone already lost money, paying £170 because of the scam while parking near the seafront. Two machines on Whitburn Road were targeted.
These fake codes lead to fake payment sites that look very real and ask for your card details. However, your parking payment won’t actually register. The city has removed the bad stickers, but they can’t guarantee it won’t happen again.
Use the official RingGo app to pay for parking. That way, you’ll stay safe from these scams, as the council never uses QR codes for payments.
Lindsey Leonard, a city council leader, said to be careful and wants to raise awareness about these scams, so no one else loses money.
Report suspicious codes to Parking by email at Parking@sunderland.gov.uk, or call 0191 520 5550. If you think you were scammed, contact your bank and report it to the police.