Schemes which make drivers pay for parking spaces using credit cards and mobile phones could provide a jackpot for high-tech fraudsters, claim security experts.
Across the country local authorities are moving towards replacing coin-operated meters with mobile phone technology which forces drivers to access a premium-rate 0870 phone line and divulge credit card details, car registration and mobile number to pay before parking.
However experts fear criminals could easily intercept a driver's details if they are sent by mobile.
"All it takes is a laptop with a Bluetooth adapter," claims Mike Hawkes, an expert on data protection.
With the right equipment capable of receiving mobile phone signals hackers can collect the information being transmitted.
"These schemes sound like an easy way for criminals to get money,” said Labour MP John Robertson.
"I would like to know what these councils are doing to stop personal information being scanned by others – and what compensation, if any, they will offer to people who lose money through fraudulent activity."
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