The national fraud and crime reporting agency has issued advice after an increased number of targeted frauds on elderly drivers.

Action Fraud have reported that it has received a high amount of intelligence saying that victims are being approached whilst sat in their parked car and are being told that it has been parked illegally or that they have been caught speeding.

In order to further intimidate the victim, they are told that a photo has been taken for evidence and are then faced with a choice of paying a small fee or be met with a substantial penalty should they refuse.

Those who opt for the small fee are taken to a parking meter that has been tampered with so that the card is retained.

Before realising that the card is stuck, the victim puts in their pin whilst being watched by the suspect and is then told that they will have to get in touch with the machine operator to get their card out.

The advice issued by Action Fraud is that, if you are suspicious about the authenticity of a fine, check it with your local council before paying it; always shield your pin when using an ATM machine and don’t share it with anyone and, if your card is retained by an ATM machine, inform your bank immediately.