What scam are dog walkers in West Sussex being warned about?

Dog walkers are being warned about scammers who are impersonating council enforcement officers and attempting to issue fake fines.

What happened to one dog walker in Worthing?

In Worthing, scammers posing as officers tried to fine a dog walker £1,000 for an alleged breach of a public space protection order.

How can I identify a legitimate council enforcement officer?

Legitimate officers will be in branded uniforms, have body-worn cameras, and should be able to show photo ID and provide a receipt.

Home / Crime and Justice / Beware: Fake Council Officers Fining Dog Owners

Beware: Fake Council Officers Fining Dog Owners

10 Apr

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Summary

Scammers posing as council workers targeted dog walkers.
Fake officers attempted to issue a £1,000 fine in Worthing.
Legitimate officers will wear branded uniforms and carry cameras.

Beware: Fake Council Officers Fining Dog Owners

Dog walkers in West Sussex have been alerted to a recent scam where individuals are falsely presenting themselves as council enforcement officers. Reports indicate these scammers are attempting to issue illegitimate fines, with one incident in Worthing involving a demand for £1,000 for an alleged public space protection order breach. The scammers pressed the victim for an immediate payment to avoid a ticket.

Adur and Worthing Councils have confirmed these incidents and stressed that the perpetrators do not represent them or their contractors. Authorities advise the public to be vigilant. Genuine enforcement officers are identifiable by their branded uniforms, body-worn cameras, and they will always present photo identification and issue a receipt upon request.