Police are urging motorists to be cautious after an increase in reports of QR code scams for car parking.

Fake stickers are placed over legitimate QR codes on parking meters and signage, directing users to a fake website which is then used to steal personal and financial information.

Belfast City Council confirmed to BBC News NI that it had removed a sticker from a pay and display machine in one of their car parks on Thursday morning.

Mid Ulster and Ards and North Down Borough Council have also issued warnings about scams relating to the RingGo app.

A statement from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said it had received reports of drivers entering their credit card details into the fake portals, leading to unauthorised transactions.

"It's important that the public are aware of these scams and what they can do to avoid being a victim," it added.

Police say they are continuing to work with councils and private car park operations to find and remove the fake stickers.

Following a surge in reports, police have issued the following advice to help motorists determine whether the QR code is legitimate: