SOUTH Gloucestershire Council has warned drivers that scammers are using its new car park payment scheme to target them for fraud – just a day after it was introduced.
The council launched charges at 22 of its off-street car parks yesterday.
Today it issued a warning that criminals were placing “suspect” QR code stickers on machines and signs at its car parks, directing smartphone users to fake payment sites.
The council has stressed that its parking scheme doesn’t use any QR codes.
A spokesperson said: “Unfortunately, it is a well-known scam that fraudsters use to direct members of the public to often cloned websites, which request credit or payment card details and other personal data.
“Car park operators across the country have seen these attempts made by criminals to obtain money and personal information.
‘Suspect stickers have already been found’
“A small number of suspect stickers have already been found on the new machines and signs that have been installed in the 22 car parks where charging has been introduced.
“These have been removed by council officers and the team will continue to be vigilant in looking for and removing them if they appear as they visit the districts car parks, in order to protect the public.
“People using the car parks are being asked to remember to only use the approved payment methods and to never scan a QR code if they see one in a council car park.”
The council says there are four authentic ways to pay for parking at the sites where charges have been introduced: by card or contactless payment at the new parking machines, via the the MiPermit app, the MiPermit website or via the MiPermit automated payment line on 0345 520 7007.
Council cabinet member for local place Sean Rhodes said: “South Gloucestershire Council do not use QR codes as part of the car parking system.
“We know it is all too easy to fall victim of scams, and fraudsters are increasingly sophisticated in their approach to tricking people into parting with money or their personal information.
“By being vigilant, residents can protect themselves and others.
“The simplest way to pay for your parking if you need to, is by using the app. If you set up an account and log your vehicle details, it’s even faster. For those who prefer to use the website, save the address so you know that you trust that site.
“If you prefer to pay by phone, save the number so, again, you can avoid mistyping it and you know you’re contacting a trusted contact.
“Our staff will continue to be vigilant in looking for any evidence of tampering with our parking payment machines, including removing any stickers added near to payment instructions.”
Picture: A sign and ticket machine at one of the car parks where charges have been introduced – there are no official QR codes on any of the signs or machines.