Action Fraud has received an increase in reports of elderly drivers becoming victims of fake fines.
What happens:- The victim is targeted by a criminal impersonating a police officer or traffic warden while parked in a car.
- The victim is told they have parked illegally or broken a speed limit and that a photo has been taken of their car as “evidence”.
- They are told to pay a small upfront fee immediately or face a substantial penalty fine.
- They are directed to a (previously tampered with) parking payment machine.
- The criminal shoulder surfs the victim as they enter their pin and the machine retains the victim’s card.
- If it is a council car park and you are suspicious about a fine, do not pay it until you have verified with your local council. If it is a private car park check with the company
- Always shield your PIN from view and never share your PIN with anyone.
- If your bank card is retained by the machine, contact your bank immediately to inform them.
- If you have been a victim of this type of crime call Kent Police on 101 to report.
