DRIVERS have been urged to watch out for SCAM parking tickets that look identical to genuine fines and could sting for hundreds of pounds.
Locals across South London have spotted the bogus tickets fastened to the windscreens of their cars.
Drivers have told how attempts to contact the parking company involved have proved futile so far.
A Peckham man said: “After examining the ticket closely, it became clear that it was a fake, designed to deceive residents into paying fines to a bogus company.”
“I was shocked to learn that several neighbours had also been targeted by this scam and some had even gone so far as to renew their parking permits unnecessarily or pay the fraudulent fines.”
He added that the tickets were “deeply troubling” for the community.
An Islington driver even found a fraudulent ticket attached to his windscreen alongside a legitimate ticket from the council.
The scam ticket was emblazoned with “parking charge notice,” while the actual ticket read “penalty charge notice.”
He said that a Reddit user in a legal advice subreddit told him the company that issued the fine was unregistered. Both bogus tickets were issued by the same company.
The notice says the driver must pay £120 “within the next 14 days” or a “discounted amount” of £60 for “early payments” within seven days.
There is a QR code that leads to a website where the “offender” can insert a notice number and a registration number.
The phone number written on the tickets leads to a recorded message telling the user to email the company to appeal or stay on the line.
A Southwark Council spokesperson said: “We are aware of the issue and will be investigating further alongside informing the police.
“We would urge residents and visitors to remain vigilant and please report any suspicious parking tickets directly to the council’s parking team to verify by emailing parking@southwark.gov.uk or calling 0800 138 9081, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.
“Anyone who thinks they have been victim of a scam should contact their bank and the police as soon as possible.”
Sun Motors approached Islington Council for comment.
Scammers have used fake QR codes on parking machines to fleece victims’ bank accounts – with one woman claiming £1,500 was taken.
BOXOUT
The bogus stickers have been placed on pay and display machines and tariff boards across Lytham St Annes, Lancs.
Fylde Council said it removed the fake stickers, but more had since appeared.
The authority advised anyone who used the QR codes to contact Lancashire Police and their bank.
The fake codes have been put on display at Dicconson Terrace car park, St Paul’s Avenue and Stanner Bank.
To help you feel more confident as a car owner, here are ten things you should be familiar with about your vehicle:
