Warning issued after parking scam in Watford

Dear Resident

Warning issued after two drivers in Watford were stopped by a scammer pretending to be a traffic warden. 

The incidents occurred on 15 and 21 January when the victims were parked in Whippendell Road.

It is reported that a man approached both victims and stated that they would receive a fine if they did not go to a parking machine and pay. 

The victims complied and the scammer instructed them to say their car registration and pin numbers out loud. 

On one occasion, the scammer insisted that the victim try alternative bank cards and say their pins out loud.

In both incidents, the scammer subsequently stole the victims’ bank cards and a number of withdrawals were made. 

Inspector Dan Jones, from the Watford Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Each incident must have been distressing for the victims’ and we are working closely with other teams in the constabulary to try and identify the suspect. 

“It appears the scammer is targeting elderly drivers, and I would encourage people to please share this message with relatives, neighbours and friends who may visit the area.

“I also encourage residents to please be cautious. No official or company representative should ever ask you to hand over cash or bank cards at the roadside. If you are asked to do so, ask them to send a penalty notice through the post and do not provide them with any personal information. If they remain insistent, call police on 101.”

You can also report information online at herts.police.uk/report, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat at herts.police.uk/contact or call the non-emergency number 101.

Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.