ACTION Fraud has issued an alert after a rise in reports of elderly people being targeted by con artists claiming to be police officers or traffic wardens.
The victims are being approached as they park in a car park and are told they have parked illegally or broken a speed limit and a photo has been taken of their car for ‘evidence’.
Victims are told they will face a hefty penalty fine unless they pay a smaller upfront fee immediately.
Victims, who opt for paying the smaller penalty, will be directed to a parking meter and asked to enter their card and PIN.
These parking meters have been tampered with to retain the card.
Once the driver inserts their card and are asked for their PIN, the victims ‘are shoulder surfed’ for their PIN by the conman.
The card is then retained by the machine and driver is told to seek help from the company operating the parking meter or their bank.
Action Fraud says if you are suspicious about the authenticity of the fine, do not pay it until you have verified it with your local council.
Always shield your PIN from view when using an ATM machine, and never share your PIN with anyone.
If your bank card is retained by an ATM machine, contact your bank immediately to inform them.
For more details regarding Action Fraud and to keep informed of the latest scams go to
