Keeping you and your money safe is our top priority, and we have stringent safeguarding measures in place to help protect all our customers. But there are also steps you need to take to protect yourself from fraud.
To help you identify potential scams and stay safe, we're publishing a series of articles on fraud protection. This article looks at parking scams.
What is a parking scam?
A typical parking scam involves criminals tricking drivers into paying for non-existent or inflated parking charges or handing over personal information. These scams can take many forms, from bogus parking websites and fraudulent apps to fake penalty charge notices placed on windscreens.
Scammers often impersonate legitimate parking companies or local councils, using convincing logos, payment portals and even text messages that appear genuine. Once they have your payment details, they can steal your money or use your information for further fraudulent activity.
This type of fraud can be especially frustrating as not only are victims left out of pocket and potentially exposed to identity theft, but they might also face additional fines from the car park operator for not paying their charges.
An example of a parking scam
James had just returned from a shopping trip when he spotted a parking ticket on his car's windscreen. The notice looked official, complete with a council logo and reference number and instructed him to pay £60 within 24 hours to avoid the fine increasing.
The notice included a website link where the fine could be paid online. Keen to resolve the matter quickly, James entered his card details and made the payment.
A few days later, James received a bank notification about several unusual transactions he didn't recognise. Concerned, he contacted his council, only to be told they had no record of any fine issued to his vehicle.
It became clear that James had fallen victim to a parking scam, that the ‘fine’ had been fake, and his card details had been stolen.
Five tips to protect yourself from parking scams
1. Use official payment channels
Always pay for parking through the official app, website or on-site machine. Avoid scanning QR codes unless you're certain they belong to the operator. Genuine payment sites will always have a secure web address starting with ‘https.’
2. Check for skimming devices on parking machines
Before inserting your card, carefully examine the machine. If the card slot looks loose, bulky or has unusual attachments, it may have been tampered with. Where possible, use contactless payment or official parking apps to reduce the risk.
3. Inspect QR codes carefully
If a QR code looks like a sticker placed over another one, or is poorly printed, don't scan it. Fake QR codes are a common way for criminals to divert you and your bank account details to fraudulent sites.
4. Look closely at fines and tickets
If you find a fine on your windscreen, check it includes key information such as your registration, the date and time, the issuing authority and details about how to appeal. Fake fines often contain errors, missing details or unusual payment instructions.
5. Take your time and don't feel pressured
Fraudsters often rely on urgency to push you into quick decisions. A legitimate parking operator or council will not demand instant payment without providing time to review or appeal. If something feels off, take a step back and verify the details first.
What to do if you're targeted by a parking scam
If you think you've fallen victim to parking fraud, don't panic.
Contact your bank immediately, especially if you've shared card or account details. They may be able to stop a transaction, block your card or secure your account.
You should also report the scam. In the UK, you can report this to Action Fraud. If you believe a QR code or machine has been tampered with, inform the parking operator or your local council.
For suspicious web pages, they can be reported to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).
You can also contact Victim Support, where you will be offered free, specialist support for anyone affected by fraud.
If you've given away any passwords or login details, it's best to change them immediately. Where possible, use different passwords for each account and enable two-factor authentication for added protection.
More information on parking scams
Parking scams are unfortunately on the rise, but by being cautious and sticking to trusted payment methods, you can stay one step ahead.
If you'd like more tips on protecting your money and personal information, take a look at the other articles in our fraud prevention series.
And remember, we're always here to help. If you ever have concerns about a suspicious message, fine or payment request, get in touch with us straight away. Your security is our top priority!
