RESIDENTS have been warned by police after an unknown man pretending to be a council staff member is believed to have been scamming car park users in Woodley.

Police recieved reports of a man claiming to be a staff member of the Wokingham Borough Council in the Waitrose Car Park, Crockhamwell Road, Woodley, on March 22.

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It was reported that he was offering to help residents with payments at the ticket machines, and approaching people in the car park and attempting to take payment using a card reader. 

Police are now appealing for victims of this scam to report it to 101.

Reading Chronicle:

A spokesman for Thames Valley Police Bracknell and Wokingham said: "On Monday 22nd March we received reports of a male impersonating a member of Council staff in Waitrose carpark on Crockhamwell Road.

"It is believed this male has approached members of public offering to help with payments at ticket machines, as well as approaching members of public and attempting to take payment with a card reader.

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"This male is not a member of Council staff, and is believed to be distracting people in an attempt to steal their bank cards and/or cash.

"COUNCIL STAFF WILL NEVER APPROACH YOU TO REQUEST PAYMENT!

"Please be vigilant when approached by someone you’re not familiar with if you feel something is not right, please call 999.

"If you have recently been a victim of this scam, please report it by calling 101 quoting reference number 43210120132."