Rogue parking ads still rife on Google, warns Which?

Google and other search engines continue to profit from scammers using adverts to trick drivers into paying for expensive subscriptions they don't want, warns Which?.

We're urging people to avoid using search engines when trying to pay for parking online. Instead, you should download apps from the official Apple or Google Play app stores instead to avoid being ripped off.

Here, we show you what these adverts look like and explain what to do if you inadvertently give your card details away. 

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Fake adverts targeting drivers on Google

Which? has previously issued warnings about drivers being charged outrageous sums for unwanted subscriptions after searching for parking apps online, or accidentally giving their card details to random third-party websites instead of Transport for London to pay ULEZ charges. 

Scammers continue to abuse online advertising to trap drivers. 

In recent weeks, we've seen adverts impersonating JustPark, PayByPhone and RingGo on Google – all of which appeared at the top of search results on a mobile phone and above the genuine websites for these companies. 

As the example below shows, we saw adverts for websites called onlytelephone.com and another called homeautomationinnovators.com that appeared to link to the same PayByPhone fake website. Both claim to offer a 'free download' but hide identical small print at the bottom of their websites revealing charges of £24.99 a month to an unnamed company for a 'health and lifestyle bundle subscription'. 

A spokesperson for PayByPhone confirmed that these advertisers have nothing to do with PayByPhone and do not have permission to use their logos. It added that it has previously reported fake adverts but scammers simply buy a new domain. 

We attempted to contact both advertisers using the email addresses listed on their websites. The message to onlytelephone.com bounced back and we received no response from homeautomationinnovators.com. 

Google fails to stop scammers 

We found that the same scammers were able to abuse Google's advertising platform even after we reported them. 

Which? first warned Google about an advertiser impersonating RingGo on 15 November. We were told Google had 'taken action' yet we found the same website impersonating RingGo as well as other parking apps almost three weeks later. 

Back in August, we shared our concerns about a Google advertiser called uk.apkpac, and, again, we were told action had been taken, but this website was still appearing at the top of Google search results for parking apps last week (5 December).

Google said it removes adverts that violate its policies. Under its misrepresentation policy, it doesn't allow ads that deceive users by excluding relevant product information or providing misleading information. 

What about other search engines?

We found far more examples of dodgy parking adverts on Google than other search engines, but rogue advertising is everywhere. 

In fact, we appeared to find the same advert on both Yahoo and Microsoft's Bing, this time linking to a website called trendy-apps.com. 

As before, this advertiser is using the PaybyPhone logo and setting up unwanted subscriptions costing £24.99 per month with no clarity about who you're paying. 

We attempted to contact trendy-apps.com using the email address listed on its website but this message bounced back.

A spokesperson for Yahoo Search ads said it has a partnership with Microsoft Bing and has worked with them to block this advertiser.

Who bears responsibility for fake adverts?

Following a successful campaign led by Which?, online platforms such as Bing, Google and Meta will be legally obliged to remove scams and other harmful content under the new Online Safety Act. 

Ofcom must now develop codes of practice that will hold platforms to a high standard and be prepared to take strong enforcement action, including fines, if they break the law.

If you spot misleading or fake adverts, you can flag this to the relevant platform as well as the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA). 

• Find out more: stronger consumer protection under new online safety laws

What if I've given my card details away?

If you think you've added your card details on a scam website, contact your bank immediately.

Keep an eye on your bank statements in case scammers have set up recurring payments. Your card provider can block further payments and issue a refund if you're unable to get your money back. 

Take your case to the Financial Ombudsman Service if your bank refuses to reimburse you. 

You should also report scams to Action Fraud (if you're in England or Wales) or Police Scotland (if you're in Scotland) by calling 101.