Shoppers have been warned to be on the lookout for fake parking enforcement teams imitating council officers at supermarkets.

The reported parking scam has been reportedly taking place in Medway with people visiting the shops targeted including an elderly couple who were said to have received a £100 ticket.

Residents have reported seeing two men "wearing black Medway Council jackets" at the Tesco Extra superstore in Rainham.

It is claimed the two men were issuing a fine and telling a woman to pay immediately due to parking over the allocated bay lines on Friday morning.

The council has confirmed any activity like this is a scam and have advised the public to be aware, not hand over any money and report the matter to the store or police.

Victoria Cole, who says she witnessed the incident, said: "I was parking at the big Tesco and witnessed two males wearing black Medway Council jackets stopping a young woman and her friend about parking their cars over the lines in the car park.

"They were handing out a fine and telling her to pay immediately.

"An elderly couple stopped me and showed me a fine they'd just had put on their car at Sainsbury's for £100 wonky parking.

"It seems this is a nasty scam preying on vulnerable people."

A spokesman for Tesco said: “We are aware of reports of an unauthorised car parking scam at our Tesco Extra store at the Bowaters Roundabout.

"Our security staff are being extra vigilant and monitoring the car park closely as a preventative measure.

"If a customer is affected or concerned, we encourage them to speak to one of our colleagues or contact the police on 101.”

The company says two incidents have been reported to the store and managers will support police with any investigation.

"Security staff are being extra vigilant and monitoring the car park closely as a preventative measure..."

No victims have officially reported the alleged scam to Kent Police, a force spokesman said when contacted by KentOnline.

They said anyone who has been affected or approached is asked to call police on 101 or visit the Kent Police website to report the crime.

Medway Council is also aware of the reported incidents and confirmed its officers do not operate in privately owned and managed car parks.

It is not known if other supermarkets and shopping centres have been targeted.

A spokesman for Savills, the managing agent for Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre, said: "Parking at the centre is managed privately through UKPN. Parking wardens wear a clear UKPN uniform and any charges issued will show the company’s branding, along with details on making payments or appeals. Payments are not made through on site staff.

"Security personnel have been notified of the alleged recent incidents taking place in car parks in the wider area and CCTV is in operation at the centre."

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