Isle of Wight motorists are being urged to be vigilant — after a QR code stuck to a parking machine in Sandown conned one driver into sharing their bank details.
Scammers are believed to have placed fake QR codes disguised as "quick pay" options on parking meters.
People scan the code and enter their credit card information thinking they are paying for the space — but instead, it directs them to a fake website where scammers capture their payment details.
A motorist recently had money taken from their bank account after trying to pay for parking on Sandown Esplanade using a false QR code stuck to the machine nearest Premier Inn. They were later made aware of the fraud by their credit card company.
Following the report, the council said parking meters were being checked for the stickers and emphasised that its pay and display machines do not offer payment via a QR code.
Meanwhile, parking payment app provider, PayByPhone, has warned of a second scam, in which bogus websites have been created in an attempt to impersonate theirs and dupe drivers into entering their bank details.
These sites require people to register, then ask for their credit or debit card details and charge a subscription.
PayByPhone says it does not provide any subscription service and will never charge your card without your authorisation.
The company said it was working with the relevant authorities to have the false sites removed.
It said the authentic PayByPhone website remained a secure platform with the highest level of security for processing payments.
To avoid these scams, the safest and most secure way to use PayByPhone remains:
- Download the PaybyPhone app directly from the App Store or Google Play Store.
- Visit the official website by entering PayByPhone.co.uk directly into the search bar.
- Dial 0330 400 7275 to use the automated phone line.
Isle of Wight Radio has asked the Isle of Wight Council to confirm if any fines were issued to drivers who paid through the QR code. And if they will be refunded.
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