Scammer impersonates traffic warden in Hemel Hempstead
Police are warning drivers to be on their guard, after the scammer managed to take a woman's bank card and steal £4000
Police are warning motorists after a driver in Hemel Hempstead was targeted by a scammer posing as a traffic warden.
The incident took place on Thursday, 10 October, when the victim was parked on Hillfield Road, near the hospital. A man wearing a high-visibility vest approached the car, entered the vehicle, and falsely claimed to be a traffic warden. He informed the driver that she would receive a fine unless she handed over her bank card. After taking the card, the man left the vehicle.
Later that day, the victim was contacted by her bank, which informed her that a £4,000 withdrawal had been blocked on the card.
Julian Griffiths, Fraud Triage Manager from the Serious Fraud and Cyber Unit, commented on the case: “This incident must have been distressing for the victim, who not only had their card taken but must have felt physically intimidated by the man climbing into the car.”
He continued, “There doesn’t appear to have been any other similar incidents reported in the county to date, but I would advise drivers to be cautious and lock their vehicles if they are parked up. 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.”
The suspect is described as being in his 40s, black, of medium build, approximately 6ft tall, and clean shaven. Authorities are encouraging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or seen someone matching this description in the area to report it for further investigation.