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Suffolk Trading Standards and Mid-Suffolk District Council have warned residents about a fraudulent QR code discovered on a parking meter in Stowmarket amid a rise of similar scams nationwide.
Why it matters: This type of scam, known as "quishing", could put Suffolk residents' bank details and personal information at risk if they scan fraudulent QR codes thinking they're making legitimate parking payments.
The big picture: QR code scams are becoming increasingly common across the UK, with fraudsters targeting:
Parking meters
Electric vehicle charging points
Restaurant menus
Marketing emails
How it works: Criminals place fake QR code stickers on payment machines. When scanned, these codes direct users to convincing but fraudulent websites that steal personal and banking information.
Be smart: The council advises residents to:
Check if QR codes appear unusual or like stickers placed over existing codes
Verify website addresses match official parking services
Consider using official parking apps or websites instead of scanning codes
What to do if you're targeted:
Contact your bank immediately if you've shared financial details
Report the incident to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or through their website
The bottom line: While QR codes offer convenience for parking payments, residents should remain vigilant and verify any codes before scanning them with their devices.
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