A SCAM has been circulating several car parks in the BCP area.

The scam involves fake QR stickers placed over the legitimate QR codes on the payment machines.

When scanning the code, residents are asked to enter personal details, including car registration and payment information.

BCP Council and Dorset Police are aware of the scammers and have urged residents to be vigilant when paying for parking in the area.

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 anyone in a rush could easily miss this scam.

"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."

Residents have been encouraged to use the parking apps PayByPhone, RingGo and JustPark.

Amanda added: "Anyone worried about paying online for parking can also pay by debit card/contactless or cash at a parking meter.  "

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."