Christchurch City Council is warning residents after fraudulent parking stickers directing customers to false payment websites were discovered on machines across the city.

The Council found the stickers, which feature QR codes, on some parking machines this morning, including machines owned by the Council and other parking providers.

In each case, the meter screens had been vandalised with permanent marker to stop customers using the machine and encourage them to scan the fraudulent QR code instead.

Head of Transport Stephen Wright said the community could be assured 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 believes they, or someone they know, may have used the fraudulent website or entered bank card details should contact their bank and the Police, and phone the Council’s Contact Centre on 03 941 8999 to advise the location of the fraudulent sticker.

The Council is working with Police and other parking providers to ensure the stickers are recognised and removed as soon as possible.