Don't Be Caught Out By This Car Park Scam

[Mr Wolf]

Police have warned motorists not to respond to notes left on their windscreens that claim that their car has been involved in an accident.

The note goes on to give a name and a phone number for the driver to call. Those who do call are then pumped for personal information that police believe may be used for criminal purposes.

In a variant of this scam, the telephone number is a premium rate number set up by the fraudsters. Calling it will run up a huge phone bill as the criminals will do everything they can to keep you on the line for as long as possible.

Alternatively, you may have been targeted by a different breed of con-artist - someone who has damaged their own car and is trying to pin the blame on you. If the note you receive accuses you of causing damage to another car in the car park, don't be tempted to check your own car for scratch marks - they may have waited for you to start inspecting your car to snap pictures, which could be used as 'evidence' that you were aware you'd hit another vehicle. 

If you return to your car and find a note on the windscreen, get in your car and immediately drive away from the area. Once safely at home, you should report the matter to the police, retaining the note for them to use as evidence. Never call the telephone number that you have been given.