BCP car parks still being targeted by fake QR payment codes
The Council say they're still finding incidents and removing stickers
Last updated 25th Jul 2024
Fake QR code stickers continue to be placed on parking meters in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
They take the user to a fraudulent website once they've been scanned.
They've been removed by BCP Council staff from Sandbanks, Branksome Dene, Branksome Chine, Highcliffe and Bournemouth town centre car parks.
The council warns against scanning them and use their parking apps to pay instead.
In a statement released when the first stickers were discovered, 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're encouraged to use cash or download the official apps used for parking payments in the BCP area - PayByPhone, RingGo, or JustPark.
We can report further sightings of scam QR codes to the council parking team on 01202 128900.