Bournemouth, Christchurch, Crime, Motoring & Transport, Poole | Posted on July 4th, 2024 | return to news
Drivers warned to watch out for parking meter scam
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council is urging residents to be vigilant as scammers are placing fake QR codes on parking meters.
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council is urging residents to be extra vigilant when paying for parking in the area at the moment, as scammers are targeting drivers by placing fake QR code stickers on parking meters.
Once scanned by a mobile phone, the code may take people to a fraudulent website where there is a danger of money being taken from their account.
Amanda Barrie, director of commercial operations at BCP Council, said: “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.
Fake QR code stickers have so far been found at BCP car parks in Richmond Gardens, Richmond Hill, Bath South, Avon Beach Overstrand Boscombe and Undercliff Drive.
Residents are advised to use one of three recognized apps to pay for parking in the BCP area: PayByPhone, RingGo or JustPark. Alternatively, pay with a phone call by using the automated phone pay service number displayed on parking meter boards.
“Anyone worried about paying online for parking can also pay by debit card/contactless or cash at a parking meter,” said Amanda.
“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 www.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.
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.
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