Motorists are being at across the UK, with stuck on machines.

Mid Suffolk District Council has become the latest to warn road users over the "fake" con which is leaving motorists caught out.

The with many councils now taking action to deal with the crisis.

The codes look legitimate, encouraging road users to online.

However, the link will usually take road users to a fake website for payment and not the council.

To top it off, individuals will not have paid for a valid ticket meaning they could be liable for fines.

, Mid Suffolk District Council said: "CAR PARK SCAM ALERT.

"We have been made aware of a scam QR code placed in our Ipswich Street (Regal cinema) car park - which if scanned takes you to a fake website for payment. You will not have a valid ticket for your stay. Please remain vigilant."

The council added: "Our parking team are currently checking all council-owned car parks and removing any false QR codes."

In January, Westmoreland and Furness Council in Scotland issued a QR code warning to residents.

False QR code stickers have also popped up in York, Preston and Durham in recent weeks, to name a few.

London is also battling with the latest trend with revealing at least six locations had been targeted since January.

Cem Kemahli, the council's lead member for planning and place, described the crime as a "cruel hoax" on residents, with many unaware they are being scammed.

He said: "Our parking system does not use QR codes at all. Instead, you can pay in the PayByPhone app or over the phone.

"Our officers are removing these fake signs as quickly as we spot them but we want to make sure visitors and residents don't fall foul of this cruel hoax which has been blighting other areas of London too."

urged road users to quickly analyse codes and verify the destination URL before scanning.

They also explained road users can download official parking applications so they don't need to rely on QR codes when out somewhere unfamiliar.

They added: "To stay safe and avoid QR Code scams, it is essential to be vigilant and follow security advice. Through responsible usage, you can continue to enjoy the benefits of this technology while avoiding the traps set by scammers."