Warning over fake fines website

CONSUMER protection groups have issued a warning about a scam website that claims to let people pay their speeding and parking fines online.

The site, at www.amendes-france.org, asks for the reference number for the fine and your credit or debit card details - but it has nothing to do with the French government.

It appears at the top of Google search result pages for "payer amende" because the site owner has taken out for paid advertising to appear above the official site.

Radio station Europe 1 has traced the site to an individual in Switzerland, who declined to comment. Police have been informed and the website should be taken offline shortly.

The correct site for paying fines online is www.amendes.gouv.fr