Members of the public are being warned to be on their guard following the discovery of a scam QR code on a pay and display parking ticket machine in Hartlepool.
Hartlepool Borough Council says it never uses QR codes on its machines as a payment option, and it is urging drivers not to scan a code should they come across one.
Scanning a fake code can have many unfortunate consequences, including the loss of sensitive financial information to scammers.
Cash and card payments can still be safely made at machines directly, and motorists can also pay online via the official Ring Go app.
A number of QR codes were found on ticket machines across the borough last year, and similar scams have previously been reported in various locations across England
The latest discovery was made at Seaton Carew, but so far further checks by civil enforcement officers have not found any others.
Members of the public who spot a QR code on a ticket machine are asked to contact the Hartlepool Community Safety Team on (01429) 523100.
They can also obtain further information or report QR codes directly to Ring Go at https://ringgo.co.uk/qr-code-stay-safe-from-scam and the company will assist in shutting them down.