AN URGENT warning has been issued to drivers over a nasty SCAM that could affect anyone – don’t be caught out.
Motorists in Kent were baffled when “dodgy” looking parking notices started popping up on windscreens across Tunbridge Wells.
The fluorescent yellow ‘penalties’ claimed to be left by Parking Control Management Ltd, as reported by KentLive.
They’ve been spotted slapped on cars in Langton Road, Bayhall Road and another in a privately managed Aldi’s car park.
If you’ve got one on your car report it to the police and definitely don’t click on any links/QR codes
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council
But, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council officials have urged residents to avoid sending any money to the “fraudulent” company.
Targeted locals are told they have to fork out £120, or £60 if the money is transferred within a week.
The scumbag fraudsters created a QR code, parking notice reference number and even a fake website.
But, the tricksters missed out some huge details.
Residents noticed there was no time and date, or a licence plate number on their bogus fines.
The real Parking Control Management Ltd, based in Slough, Berkshire, has joined with the council in warning drivers.
A spokesperson for the company stated: “We are aware of several fake parking tickets bearing our company name and logo being placed on vehicles in the Tunbridge Wells area.
“We can confirm that the tickets have not been issued by PCM and we have swiftly reported the scam to our Trade Association, Action Fraud, the DVLA and the payment provider cited on the tickets, SumUp.”
They advised anyone affected by the scam to contact Action Fraud.
Council officials sent out their urgent message on social media and wrote: “Fraudulent parking charge notices: This morning we’ve been informed that some motorists have discovered Parking Charge Notices from a private company on properly parked vehicles in Broadwater Down, Mount Sion and Goods Station Road in Tunbridge Wells.
“If you’ve got one on your car report it to the police and definitely don’t click on any links/QR codes.”
If you believe you have been victim of a scam call 0300 123 2040.
Source; Action Fraud
It comes as many other drivers are being caught out by fake parking tickets up and down the UK.
Fuming locals left bogus £70 fines on cars to stop drivers parking outside their homes.
Motorists found cheeky parking notices stuck on their windshields in Bridgend, Wales.
Meanwhile, a couple out on a walk in Berkshire returned to their car to find an £80 parking fine – but all isn’t quite as it seems.
The pair, who parked their Mercedes at beauty spot Shepherd Meadows in Sandhurst, discovered a note from ‘Apcoa’ demanding cash.
And, it appears the con has made its way overseas, with drivers warned after a huge parking ticket scam was seen happening at a popular holiday destination for Brits.
The dodgy scandal has tricked unlucky car owners in Toulouse, France.
Parking penalties can come in various forms.
A Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) is usually given out by local councils and police for parking offences in car parks and on the UK roads.
Don’t get them mixed up with Parking Charge Notice, which are also abbreviated to PCN.
These are typically given out for parking offences on private land.
The final type of parking fine is a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN).
Drivers can get an FPN from the police, local council or the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).
It is vital that you don’t ignore a PCN, even if you feel you’ve done nothing wrong.
If you ignore a parking ticket from a private parking firm, they may pass on your details to bailiffs to claim the fine.
If you need to appeal a ticket, the more evidence you have to support your claim the better.
A fine may be deemed unfair by the council or an independent adjudicator if:
