A new scam sees elderly people hit with fake parking or speeding fines.

Nottinghamshire Police are releasing details of a new scam and warning people to be vigilant.

Action Fraud have seen an increase in reports of elderly victims being targeted by individuals claiming to be police officers or traffic wardens.

The victims are being approached whilst parked in a car park and are told by the suspect that they have parked illegally or broken a speed limit, and a photo has then been taken of their car for ‘evidence’.

Victims are advised that they will face a substantial penalty fine unless they pay a smaller upfront fee immediately, and victims who opt for paying the smaller penalty will be directed to a parking meter and asked to enter their card and PIN.

These parking meters have been tampered with by the suspect however, and once victims input their PIN, which is then "shoulder-surfed" by the suspect, the card is retained by the machine and victims are told by the suspect to seek help from the company who operates the parking meter or their bank.

Nottinghamshire Police have issued the following advice

• If you are suspicious about the authenticity of the fine, do not pay it until you have verified it with your local council.

• Always shield your PIN from view when using an ATM machine, and never share your PIN with anyone.

• If your bank card is retained by an ATM machine, contact your bank immediately to inform them.

If you have been a victim of fraud or cyber crime, report it to https://crowd.in/cHkttd, or by calling 0300 123 2040.