Fraudulent stickers directing customers to fake payment websites have been discovered on parking machines across Christchurch, prompting a warning to motorists from the city council.
Council staff found stickers with QR codes placed on parking machines, both council-operated and privately owned.
The meter screens had also been vandalised with permanent marker to prevent customers using the machine, encouraging them to scan the fraudulent QR code to make a payment.
Head of transport Stephen Wright said the council was taking the matter "very seriously".
"The stickers at these sites were immediately removed and monitoring and surveillance from the Parking Compliance team has been increased – we’ll be out checking meters daily,” he said.
"However, residents should be mindful that any stickers like this are not legitimate. The council would never prompt payment through QR codes and the correct payment method for council-owned parking sites is always provided on the parking meters themselves."
Anyone who used the fraudulent website or entered account details should contact their bank, police and the council.
Police have been contacted for further comment.
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