Warning issued over ULEZ copycat website scam overcharging for fees – here’s how to spot them
Be on the lookout!
With the Ultra Low Emission Zone expansion across the capital now just days away, Londoners are being urged to stay vigilant to scams and fraud seeking to impersonate ULEZ charges.
The ULEZ expansion has proved controversial on various fronts, with campaigners against it claiming it is little more than a money-making scheme.
At the same time, the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, described it as an ‘incredibly difficult decision’ taken to protect the health of Londoners from toxic air.
Unfortunately, several scam websites have been set up, specifically to part unwitting motorists with their money.
With some claiming ULEZ zones could expand beyond London, it’s worth staying aware of the various scams out there.
Here is what you need to know.
How to spot ULEZ scams
The consumer experts at Which recently identified several websites posing as clean air congestion charge sites.
It’s the second warning the company have issued recently regarding false websites looking to scam motorists.
Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, has clarified that Transport for London (TfL) is not affiliated with third-party sites that accept ULEZ payments. Additionally, TfL collaborates with search engine companies like Google to eliminate unofficial websites.
Don’t use anything but the TfL website
You should only pay the ULEZ charge via the official Transport for London website.
This is a .gov website address that provides information on how and when to pay the ULEZ charge.
Be wary of Google ads
Many of the ULEZ scams that Which uncovered involved companies paying for Google ads that ranked about the official TfL website, encouraging users to put in their details and pay through their system.
It’s essential to ensure that you visit the official TfL website to pay the charge, no matter where it ranks in Google.
TfL told Which: ‘Payments for our road user charging schemes should only be made through the official TfL website. Unfortunately, internet search engines don’t always suggest the official TfL webpage at the top of their search results.
‘This means that people may be offered a link to an unofficial payment site, which can often overcharge. We are sorry to hear of any customers that may have been caught out in this way.’
Double-check the charge amount
Several of the uncovered scammers were charging more than the TfL ULEZ charge.
The ULEZ fee is £12 per day, but some were charging up to £17.50 with additional ‘service charges’ being added.
Watch for recurring payments
Several fake payment companies Which encountered even went so far as to set up reoccurring payments, which the official ULEZ charge should not be.
What to do if you pay an unofficial ULEZ site
Fortunately, even if you have paid a fee to a third-party site, there are things you can do about it.
Which go on to say: ‘If you accidentally share your card details with a third party operating an unofficial website to pay the ULEZ charge, contact your bank immediately to ensure that it blocks any recurring payments.
‘In cases where the payment has already left your account, ask your card provider for a full refund.
‘Credit card payments have strong legal protection under Section 75 for breach of contract, but banks can also use chargeback to reverse payments if you used a debit card or prepaid card.
MORE : Check the air pollution levels in your London area amid ULEZ expansion
MORE : Don’t forget to pay your ULEZ charge after this date or risk facing major penalty
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