Drivers are being told to keep bank cars in car as an epidemic sweeps England. QR codes have now become a new battleground for scammers and can lead unsuspecting users to fraudulent websites designed to steal personal information or money.

RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: "As if this quishing scam isn't nasty enough, it can also lead to drivers being caught out twice if they don't realise they haven't paid for parking and end up getting a hefty fine from the council.

"The safest course of action when paying for parking at a council-owned car park is to avoid using QR codes altogether. Most of these councils don't even operate a QR code payment system, so if you're in any doubt, steer well clear and only pay with cash, card or via an official app downloaded from your smartphone's app store.

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"This advice should also be applied to any mode of transport where you can pay via a QR code, including electric vehicle charge points and private car parks."

Last year, a woman was scammed out of £13,000 at a railway station car park in Thornaby.

Stop Scams UK explains: "Be sceptical if the app or website that you've been directed to is requesting personal details. Make sure it's authentic. If unsure, then don't engage.

"If you're in any doubt, avoid scanning the QR code and find an alternative payment method.

"You can install anti-virus software onto your phone to verify if the QR code is safe to click on. This will prevent you downloading a virus or malware onto your device and allowing scammers to gain access to your personal data.

"This best free and paid-for mobile antivirus apps guide from consumer champion Which? is a good starting point.

"Be suspicious. Check the preview of the QR code link. When you first scan the code, a preview of the URL should appear, so make sure the website address is legitimate. It should start with "https://".

"If you're still unsure whether the code is real, then try searching for it in your browser instead.

"If you think you've been scammed, then contact your bank immediately by securely dialling 159 and reporting your case to Action Fraud."

Drivers told to keep bank cars in car as epidemic sweeps England - Birmingham Live