Drivers in Frome, Glastonbury, Street and Shepton Mallet are being urged to stay alert after fake QR code stickers were discovered on pay and display machines in Wells.

The fraudulent QR codes, placed over legitimate signage on Somerset Council parking meters, are believed to be part of a scam designed to capture personal and payment information from unsuspecting users.

Somerset Council confirmed that multiple fake stickers had been found on meters in Wells and have since been removed. The council has also begun a review of its parking machines across the county to check for further tampering.

A spokesperson said: "We have been advised that multiple fake QR codes have been found on Pay & Display machines in Wells. These have now been removed, and we are reviewing all our machines."

The council has reminded drivers that it does not use QR codes to access its PayByPhone parking service. Anyone who sees a QR code on a pay and display meter is being asked not to scan it, and instead use only the official app, website, or payment by phone.

While the known stickers were found in Wells, the warning has been extended to other local towns as a precaution, amid fears that scammers may attempt to target other locations.

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: "We'd urge members of the public to be cautious when using payment machines. If something doesn't look right, don't scan it. Fraudsters are becoming increasingly sophisticated in how they target people, and this kind of scam can happen anywhere. Please report any suspicious QR codes or altered signage to the council and to police via 101."

If you think you've entered personal or banking information via a QR code recently, you should contact your bank immediately and report the incident to Action Fraud via www.actionfraud.police.uk.

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