Park users ‘scammed out of cash’ by convincing tricksters

A warning has been issued not to give cash or make card payments to people purporting to be civil enforcement officers.

Reports have been made to say a number of people have been scammed by an individual pretending to be a Sefton Council warden fining people in Botanic Gardens, Southport.

The individual who has not been identified has believed to have asked park users to pay ‘on the spot’ fines for allegedly breaching public space protection orders.

This includes littering and dog fouling.

However the council has now warned anyone who may be approached by this individual to call the police or report this suspicious activity.

A spokesperson for Sefton Council said: “We are aware of reports suggesting an individual is posing as a Civil Enforcement Officer and asking people to pay for offences ‘on the spot’ with a card machine at Botanic Gardens, Southport

“Please note our officers DO NOT accept or take payment of a fine ‘there and then’ and if you are asked to do so, this is a SCAM.

“Legitimate Civil Enforcement Officers who may issue you with a Fixed Penalty Notice will advise that you can only pay either by using the I Want To service on our website or by post to Parking Services, PO Box 225, Bootle, L20 3WD.”

“If you are approached by someone who tells you to pay via card machine or cash this is a SCAM and you should call Merseyside Police on 101 immediately.”