FAKE parking attendants are scamming drivers by copying bank and credit cards, authorities have warned.

The fraudsters are targeting motorists at car parks across Southend.

However, Essex Police and Southend Council were worryingly unable to provide exact details of incidents.

Instead, police took to social media to warn drivers about the scam.

A spokesman for Southend Community Policing Team said: “We have had a number of reports that persons posing as traffic enforcement-officers are targeting people at parking areas and informing them they need to pay a fee on a legitimate machine.

“Once the card has been placed into the machine it appears they have skimmed or cloned the card and have then used the copy within a very short space of time.

“All pay and display are clearly marked. Be vigilant, ask for identification and call police if you are unsure.”

The post went viral with more than 900 shares.

Commenting on the Echo Facebook page one man said: “It may be prudent to advise people traffic officers only issue tickets they don’t take payments and don’t have payment machines of any kind, therefore if anybody claiming to be one asks you to make a payment of any kind say no and contact police.”

Martin Terry, Independent councillor for community safety said: “I hope we can get CCTV on these parking payment machines, I am sure the CCTV control room can arrange this.

“I think it is unbelievable what lengths people go to.”

A council spokesperson, said: “Following reports of scammers posing as civil enforcement officers within Southend, I would like to remind motorists that civil enforcement officers will in no situation ever ask for payments to be made on the spot.

“We have a robust process in place whereby motorists are given 14 days to pay their fine, or should they wish to, follow the appeals process.

“Additionally, any payments made for parking tickets can only be made through the Mobon app, or through the pay and display machines.

“If approached by someone posing as a civil enforcement officer who asks for immediate payment, I suggest contacting the police.”