A fake Matalan parking attendant in Hayes, West London, tricked a couple out of a “large sum of money” after taking them to a ticket machine and asking them to tell him their PIN. Police are warning people in the area to be aware of any potential scams in the area.
The incident, which occurred last week, saw a man posing as a parking attendant at a Matalan in Pump Lane approach a couple in the car park and ask them to pay for a parking ticket. He then took them to a ticket machine and asked one of them to verbally recall his PIN.
The card then was not returned to the victim. Later that day, the victim discovered that a ‘large sum of money’ had been taken from his bank account.
Hillingdon Metropolitan Police Service is reminding people to be aware of how their local parking enforcement officers are dressed. It has also reminded people to never hand over their bank card to someone offering to pay for parking on their behalf.
A spokesperson for Hillingdon MPS posted to X: “If you feel confused or threatened by anyone in public, when safe to do so, move away from the location and call the police. If you feel comfortable doing so and you would like to check the legitimacy of these officers, please ask to see their ID. Please do not ever hand over your bank card to someone who is offering to pay for your parking for you.
“We would also like members of the public to keep an eye out for their vulnerable neighbours who are more likely to be targeted by these types of criminals.”
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