A new scam is affecting car park users across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
BCP Council is urging residents to double-check the payment meters for fake contact information or QR Codes that have appeared recently.
Amanda Barrie, Director of Commercial Operations at BCP Council, said: “Residents and visitors should be aware that scammers are currently targeting BCP by placing fake QR codes on some parking meters in our area.
“Once scanned, these QR codes may take you to a fraudulent website, where there may be a danger of money being taken from your account.
“The stickers are being placed on top of our genuine QR codes and this scam could be easily missed by anyone in a rush.
“Our officers are regularly checking car parks and inspecting individual machines to remove any fake QR codes that may appear.
“We have informed the police and are reviewing our car park CCTV footage.
“In the meantime, we would encourage residents to download one of the three apps that can be used to pay for parking in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area:
- PayByPhone
- RingGo
- JustPark
“Anyone worried about paying online for parking can also pay by debit card/contactless or cash at a parking meter.
“The public can report sightings of scam QR codes to the council parking team on 01202 128900.”
Neighbourhood Inspector Dan Cullen, of Bournemouth East and Christchurch police, said: “Local officers are aware of these incidents and we will be working with the local authority to try and identify who is responsible.
“I would urge anyone who comes across one of these stickers, or who has any information that might assist our investigation, to please report it to police online at dorset.police.uk or by calling 101.”
Some other tips include:
- Pay with a phone call instead by using the automated phone pay service number displayed on parking meter boards.
- Only download our parking partner apps from certified vendors such as the provider’s own website, Apple’s App Store or the Google Play Store.