Scammers targeting Bournemouth car parks
Fake QR codes have been found on payment meters
We're being warned to watch out when paying for parking in Bournemouth this summer.
BCP Council's found fake QR codes displayed at six car parks in recent days, with drivers scammed out of fraudulent payments.
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, JustPark
We can report further 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 www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101.”