Police have issued an urgent warning to drivers about a parking scam which targets elderly and vulnerable people, prompting calls for motorists to be aware.
A man was seen with a parking badge targeting older and more vulnerable drivers, demanding that they register with new ticket machines in order to park in the designated area at the Tesco Metro store.
The warning was issued by Collier Row Police, which protects the local area in Romford, London.
The police found that scammers would hassle disabled badge users and trick them into taking out their bank cards to pay for a ticket at a phoney machine.
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Shoppers at Tesco stores have been targeted by scammers
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The police detailed: “There have been several reports regarding parking scams happening in Collier Row in recent weeks which we would like to make you aware of.
“A male is approaching people parked in disabled bays and saying that they need to register their disabled badges on the new ticket machines.
“They are very convincing and state that they are in the car park to help for this reason.
“They are then taking people to the ticket machines and asking for a bank card. Whilst at the machine they ask you to put your card and pin number in after which they steal the card and draw cash from a cash point.”
Collier Row Police warned that drivers should avoid engaging in conversation with anyone approaching them on the car park offering assistance.
Blue Badges do not need to be registered on new ticket machines and anyone who insists they need to may be part of the scam.
Reports of scams were first cited in the Tesco Collier Row car park, but the police warned it is “no doubt happening” elsewhere.
Drivers are encouraged to speak to friends family and neighbours and make them aware of the warning issued by the police and to keep an eye out when visiting car parks.
Having been shared on social media, one user said: “Please keep an eye out for the elderly if they are using the car park ticket machines.
“A report has just been made to the police regarding a male possibly scamming an elderly man in Tesco car park in Collier Row.
“Thank you to the members of the public who intervened. If you see anyone approaching vulnerable people, just have a word to check they are okay.”
Someone else claimed: “I had this in Ilford a couple of weeks ago. Cancelled my bank card immediately.”
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The police insisted that Blue Badges do not need to be registered with parking machines
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Anyone with information is encouraged to get in touch with Collier Row Police or call 101 to report a suspected incident.
GB News has contacted Tesco for a comment on the scams.