Residents and visitors are warned of scam parking websites and apps after an incident is reported at a local Westmorland and Furness car park.
Scammers have attached fake stickers over council signage to impersonate popular parking payment apps to trick drivers into giving away their payment details.
Parking Enforcement Officers will be checking signage on visits to council-owned car parks, however users are encouraged to be extremely cautious when choosing an online payment option.
Here are some useful tips to protect yourself:
- Verify the Website/App: Always ensure that you are using the official website or app. Double-check the URL or download source for authenticity.
- Look for Red Flags: Misspellings, poor grammar, and unprofessional design are often signs of a fake site. Trust your instincts – if something seems off, it probably is.
- Do Not Share Personal Information: Never provide sensitive information like credit card numbers, passwords, or personal IDs unless you are certain of the site’s legitimacy.
- Use Secure Payment Methods: When making payments, use trusted and secure methods. Be wary of requests for payment via unusual methods.
- Update Your Devices: Keep your computer and mobile devices updated with the latest security software.
- Report Suspicious Activity: If you encounter a suspicious website or app, please report it immediately to the relevant authorities and our customer service team.
The council are committed to ensuring the safety and security of our customers. Please report any concerns immediately to Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133 or visiting www.adviceguide.org.uk.
Stay Alert. Stay Safe.