Drivers parking along the coast between Staithes and Filey are being targeted by fraudulent QR codes designed to steal financial and personal data.
Motorists parking along the coast between Staithes and Filey face a new threat from fraudulent QR codes designed to steal financial data.
Fake codes printed as stickers are being discovered on car park information boards by parking wardens operating in the area.
The scam, which is increasingly targeting drivers, is known as "quishing" - short for QR code phishing. The technique is used to gather financial information, personal data, and money by tricking victims into downloading malware or visiting fraudulent websites.
The latest discoveries along the coast follow previous warnings shared at the start of July, when similar fake QR codes were found in North York Moors National Park car parks.
Safety advice has been issued to help drivers avoid falling victim to the scams while visiting coastal towns.
North Yorkshire Council Parking Services advised:
"Before scanning any QR codes, run your hand over the code. Most genuine codes are printed into the signs. A sticker gives a good indication that it has been added later, therefore it should be treated as suspicious."
Drivers are also being urged to verify the web address prior to visiting the website. The link is usually shown on the bottom of the smartphone screen when the camera detects the code.
Downloading an official parking app before arriving at the car park is recommended, as this reduces the opportunity to be sent to a fraudulent website by a fake sticker.
Motorists are reminded not to provide personal information or passwords upon scanning a QR code. Legitimate parking services do not generally ask for this information in this manner.
If drivers are in any doubt about the legitimacy of a QR code on a parking sign, they are encouraged to use traditional payment methods such as coins or bank cards.
Victims of the fraud, or those seeking more information about phishing scams, are advised to visit the Report Fraud service to make an official report.
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