Transport for London has issued an urgent security alert after a sophisticated scam targeting commuters across the capital's transport network. Criminals posing as legitimate ticket inspectors are stealing money directly from passengers' bank accounts using handheld card devices.
The elaborate con involves fraudsters approaching commuters while wearing high-visibility jackets and claiming to be authorised ticket inspectors. They then ask passengers to tap their contactless bank cards on portable card readers under the guise of checking tickets or processing penalty fares.
How The Scam Operates
These fake inspectors typically operate around major transport hubs including Underground stations and bus interchanges. They approach passengers claiming there's an issue with their ticket or travel card and insist they need to verify their payment method.
Victims are asked to tap their contactless card on a handheld device, which appears legitimate but is actually programmed to immediately deduct £50 from their account. The transaction shows on banking apps as "TFL.GOV.UK/CP" making it appear genuine.
Official Response and Warning
A Transport for London spokesperson stated: "Our revenue inspection teams always wear full TfL uniform and carry official TfL identification. They will never ask you to tap your card on a device other than our own official card readers at station gates or on buses."
Genuine TfL inspectors use handheld devices that display the customer's photo and travel history when a card is tapped, rather than processing payments. The authority emphasises that their staff would never take payment directly on the street.
Protection Advice for Commuters
- Always check for official TfL identification and uniform
- Genuine inspectors use devices that show travel history, not process payments
- Never tap your card on unfamiliar handheld devices
- Report any suspicious approaches to TfL staff or British Transport Police immediately
- Monitor your bank statements regularly for unusual transactions
Transport for London advises any passengers who believe they may have fallen victim to this scam to contact their bank immediately and report the incident to police via the 101 non-emergency number.
