MOTORISTS in West Somerset have been warned to be careful when paying for car parking after a number of people in Watchet were scammed for £50.

The victims had scanned fake QR codes which had been stuck on payment machines in some of the town’s car parks.

Instead of being charged £1.20 for an hour or £6.10 for a day’s car parking, they had £50 taken from their bank accounts.

Police advised people not to scan QR codes in any West Somerset car park.

A spokesperson said: “Currently, it is only known that this has taken place in Watchet.

The fake QR code which has been used in Watchet car parks, partly covered to prevent it being used.
The fake QR code which has been used in Watchet car parks, partly covered to prevent it being used. ( )

“However, it is likely this is also on other machines in the area.

“We advise people not to scan the codes and to check if there is a small sticker on top of the usual PaybyPhone sticker, by picking at the edge if it appears raised.”

The spokesperson said motorists believed they were paying for parking, but were actually being fraudulently charged £50.

The Williton and Watchet neighbourhood policing team is holding a drop in session on Wednesday (May 14) where the parking scam and any other issues can be raised.

PCSO Zack Howe will be in the Williton Parish Council offices, in Killick Way, from 1 pm until 2 pm, for anybody to call in.

The spokesperson said: “Whether you want advice on how to protect your belongings, more information about the work we are doing in your area, or you want to raise a concern about an issue in your community, Zack from your neighbourhood policing team will be on hand to help.”

Neighbourhood officers have recently been working alongside roads policing colleagues on high visibility patrols on Exmoor to tackle the ‘Fatal 5’ causes of injuries, speeding, not wearing seatbelts, distractions such as using a mobile phone, drink and drugs, and carelessness.