Leicester motorists warned of QR code scam linked to Russia

Motorists in Leicester have been alerted to a QR code scam that has emerged in approximately 20 car parks across the city. Stickers containing fraudulent QR codes were placed on pay-and-display machines, misleading users into sending payments to an incorrect destination. The QR codes were linked to a website registered through a Russian domain name firm, raising concerns about the origins of the scam. Leicester City Council has confirmed that it does not utilize QR codes for parking payments, emphasizing that the only legitimate payment method is through the PayByPhone app available at all council-operated parking locations. In response to the scam, the council has taken swift action to remove all identified stickers from its 248 parking machines. A council spokesperson urged anyone who has scanned the fraudulent codes to contact their banks and report the incident to Leicestershire Police. The council is actively monitoring the situation to ensure that no further scams are present in their parking facilities. Ashley Snookes, the group manager of the council's civil enforcement and traffic regulation team, reported that only one individual has been confirmed to have scanned the QR code. This incident highlights the importance of vigilance among motorists when using mobile payment options, especially in light of the recent scam. The council's proactive measures aim to protect the public from financial loss and to maintain trust in the city's parking payment systems. Motorists are encouraged to remain cautious and report any suspicious activity to the authorities to prevent further incidents.