South London drivers are being targeted in a scam which could see victims lose hundreds of pounds from their bank account, a council warned.

Wandsworth Council said officers had received reports of motorists being targeted – often near doctor’s surgeries or shops.

The scammers claim they have caught the victim speeding and march them to a pay and display machine, or they tell blue badge holders that there is a new policy for blue badges and they must enter their card details at the machine.

The scammers then say their card has been swallowed and pretend to ring the number on the machine to report this, according to the authority.

The person they call says an operative will come out to investigate the issue in 30 to 45 minutes but instead, during this time, their card is used to withdraw money from their bank account, the council said.

A statement on the council’s website reads: “Motorists are reminded that it is impossible for parking machines to retain bank cards.

"Pay and Display machines are manufactured so that cards can only be inserted part of the way.

"If your card goes missing, you have been a victim of fraud and should immediately cancel your card.

“If anyone approaches you when you go to pay for parking, please be cautious and never insert your card into a parking machine when someone you do not know is present.

"The fraudsters often target older residents. If you know an older driver, please warn them to be careful.

“The council has an alternative method of paying online or by phone that means you do not have to use cash or credit cards.”

Drivers can use the RingGo app or Telephone RingGo to pay using their mobile phone.

The statement adds: “If you have been a victim of fraud, please cancel your card and contact Action Fraud on actionfraud.police.uk.

"In an emergency call 999 or report a crime by calling 101 or online at met.police.uk.”