Drivers across Stirling have been urged to be alert to an increase in fake QR codes being placed on car park ticket machines.
A number of reports have been received from motorists across the country who have scanned a QR code and been taken to a website that has charged varying excessive fees for parking.
No QR code should be scanned for any of the council’s official parking related apps. Anyone who sees a QR code in a Stirling Council car park can report it to be removed via the council website or by calling 01786 404040.
Parking machines in Stirling take payment via card, coin, contactless or via the RingGo app which can be downloaded via the Apple or Android Store.
Environment, Transport and Net Zero Convener, Cllr Jen Preston said: “If you see a QR code that has been placed on signs and ticket machines in our car parks, please report this to us so we can remove it.
“These QR codes have been placed maliciously in an attempt to defraud members of the public. Our only online provider, RingGo, will never ask drivers to scan a QR code to pay for parking. Additional information on protecting yourself from scams is available via their website.”
Anyone who has used a QR code at a Council owned car park is encouraged to contact their bank, report it to Police Scotland on 101 and report to Trading Standards via Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000