Any excuse is good for scammers to develop new scams. In August 2021, already, Current wife alerted you to the parking meter scam which particularly targets elderly and vulnerable people. At the time, it occurred in Indre et Loire. Two years later, this deception is back according to information from our colleagues of The Dispatchthis January 4, 2024. A complaint has “was recently filed” within the commune of Auch, in Occitanie. The local police are thus calling motorists to be extra vigilantespecially since parking meters are “located on every street corner“, we can read.
What is the parking meter scam?
The scam is based on an abuse of weakness The process is simple. While a motorist is paying for parking for his parked vehicle, crooks are waiting nearby. They discreetly observe their victim inserting their bank card into the parking meter. Once done, one of the agrefins approaches and distracts the driver’s intention who has just entered his confidential code. To do this, the charlatan can, for example, ask questions about parking or the parking meter. Then, without the victim noticing, the scammer removed his bank card before subtly leaving with it. By the time the driver notices the problem, the crook is already far away.
How to protect yourself from this scam and attempted theft?
Following this complaint, the Auch national police invite users to exercise caution. “In case of doubt, if someone contacted you while you had your bank card in hand, immediately check that you are still in possession of your belongings“, recommend the police forces of the South in a publication Facebook. In addition, certain actions can help protect yourself from this type of scam. If the situation arises, it is better not to respond to possible requests, especially since scammers can show imagination like tamper with the parking meter so that it swallows your bank card.
Be careful with your personal property and prefer keep them close to you, whether it’s your handbag, wallet or card holder. Furthermore, be sure to enter your personal code away from prying eyes. In the event that your credit card is stolen, contact your banking establishment immediately to notify them and file an objection. Then, call the police by dialing 17 or go to the nearest police station.