Drivers are being warned of scammers taking advantage of motorists who are trying to pay the daily charge for the expanding Ultra Low Emission Zone.
Rogue advertisers have been using fake websites and even scam texts to trick drivers into paying their daily charge without the money going to Transport for London (TfL).
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has confirmed that TfL is not associated with any third-party websites accepting ULEZ payments.
A handful of websites can be found when searching for “pay Ulez charge” or even just “Ulez”, with motorists potentially being caught out.
Transport for London has warned drivers of scam websites
PA
Speaking to GB News, Sally Foote, UK Managing Director at carwow, said: "Scammers are already setting up fake sites to swindle motorists, claiming to offer an easier way to pay the ULEZ charge.
“Be aware - any communications around paying a ULEZ charge, or fine should come directly from Transport for London.
“Do a thorough check on where any ULEZ-related emails, text messages or other communications appear to be coming from. The only way to pay for charges will be via Transport for London’s website.
“If you spot anything that doesn't look right - trust your gut and stick to the official website."
Transport for London has a dedicated webpage urging motorists to avoid any illegitimate websites purporting to help drivers pay for the Ulez charge, advising people to only use the official TfL payment process to pay for the Ulez, Congestion Charge and the Low Emission Zone charge.
These fake websites can charge drivers an extra £8 per transaction, in addition to drivers being hit with fines from TfL for not paying the original charge.
Some search engines do not always put the TfL payment page at the top of the results, potentially leading to drivers being tricked into sending money to a scammer.
Drivers have taken to forums to warn others of the threats they face when using a third-party website, with one motorist receiving a £90 penalty from TfL because they used a scam site.
Mike Thompson, Chief Operating Officer at Leasing Options, said: “Scammers are opportunists and this time, they’ve capitalised on the introduction of Ultra Low Emission Zones across the UK.
“By creating a website similar to a Transport for London website, fraudsters have lured in unknowing drivers to pay their ULEZ charge.
“However, the reality is that drivers have actually committed to a monthly direct debit for the charge that isn’t going to TFL and instead directly into scammer’s pockets.
“I urge drivers outside of London to be equally wary when paying their daily ULEZ payments, too.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Hundreds of drivers have protested the expansion of the Ulez sign
PA
“It’s likely that this won’t be the only copycat portal of its kind as other low emission zones are introduced across the UK in a bid to reduce the UK’s CO2 emissions.”
