A warning has been issued by Southend Council regarding a parking scams involving a illegitimate QR code and text message.

The council have said residents can pinpoint any scam involving a QR code which prompts them to pay for parking as it does not use these codes on any parking machines, signs, or Pay by Phone apps, aside form adverts for the Southend Pass.

The scam is known as “quishing” and involves the user being asked to scan a QR code to pay for parking.

The second scam involves residents receiving text messages about a Penalty Charge Notice, as well a as a link to pay, which the council have confirmed is illegitimate.

A spokesperson for the council said: “This is a scam. Southend-on-Sea City Council does not use QR codes on any parking machines, parking signs or for any Pay by Phone Apps, aside from on adverts for the Southend Pass, which do include a QR code which links to the Southend Pass homepage on our website. 

“The second is where people are receiving text messages stating they have a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) and a link to pay.

“This is a scam. Southend-on-Sea City Council will never text you about a PCN.

“You will only receive a PCN as a physical ticket on your vehicle or a letter to the registered keeper address associated with the vehicle.

“Please ignore these texts and do not click the link to make a payment.”