What's the worst that could happen if I advertised a parking space that doesn't belong to me?

[ParkMyFace]

I live in an estate with one parking space per apartment. Quite a few of the parking spaces are never used because people don't have cars. I've lived here for years and know which ones they are. Also I am brassic. If I advertised on a parking site that they were available to rent, and collected money, even though they're not mine, what's the worst that would happen? I don't mind paying money back but I don't want to go to jail.

It’s actually both.

It was a novel idea and the OP was thinking out loud. She's since decided against it. Put the pitchforks down.

It’s criminal. I’m not sure why you think it’s not. Parking in the space is civil. Charging others is obtaining by deception / fraud.

Okay. Rephrase. There is no way on earth it would be dealt with criminally. It's hard to get police to attend a burglary ATM.

But OP has accepted it was a mad idea borne of desperation, so I'm not sure why the conversation is still stuck on the parking scam idea.

Her real issue is that she won't be able to afford her basic living expenses on a FT wage once her daughter leaves FT (level 3) education.

Oh that’s definitely a factor - doesn’t matter if it’s criminal because they won’t bother doing anything.

Burglarys are a problem because it’s hard to catch who did it. This would be easy.

Actually she could. She could charge her daughter rent. She coumd downsize the property. Many things she could do. But instead she goes straight for criminal activity. Says a lot.

@PimpMyFridge @JeandeServiette @IncompleteSenten thanks to all of you. I've calmed the fuck down a bit now and I got in touch with universal credit to find out if there's any grants/help available to set myself up as a tutor or something - I did tefl, decades ago, but fuckit I still have the certificate. Surely I can fit in a couple of hours of that week , along with looking after my mum.

At least it'll be a high hourly rate. And I won't get arrested!

Thanks again all.

Good luck.

Make sure you also claim the Carers Element on your UC claim (which has less restrictive eligibility criteria than the separate Carers Allowance). It sounds like you probably will qualify for the CE but not for the CA.

Oh I've screenshot the wrong bit.

Well said.

And you cant read. I said it wasnt about people who are switched on enough to know about apps etc. You just did the thing i said it wasnt about......jumping onto your computer and checking. There are thousands of people about who dont give a toss what they can do on an app or on google.

I can read perfectly well, thank you - you’re just being ridiculous. Even if they don’t know the first thing about apps or similar providers, don’t you think it might occur to them to find out if their neighbour approached them with this “great deal”?

You don’t have to know one app from another to know that a 50% management fee is ridiculous.

Not sure if you’ve a garden or a big enough place but what about doing doggy day care or if not - advertising yourself to go feed cats/empty litter trays. Advertise on local Facebook groups.

I've actually considered this. I have a housing association flat with a designated parking space but I don't own a car. I live in the town centre so it would be handy for someone who works here. However as my flat belongs to the council I think I'd get in trouble if someone found out!

@Beezknees check your lease, you might be alright. I am also HA and I can sublet my flat as long as I get permission from the HA. Surely if you can sublet an actual flat you can sublet a bit of tarmac.

@liverpoolgal82 I don't have any outside space sadly. Not even a parking space lol. I already work full time as well so I'm looking for high hourly rate work in evenings and weekends. I guess I could investigate if filling food trays is high hourly rate but I'm guessing not. I hate dogs anyway and I am allergic to cats so working with either of them directly would be pretty naff for me.

Well yes - you’d need to like dogs for a start. 😁 I’m allergic to cats also but a quick in , feed and out and I’m fine. I do the ones that have automatic litter trays so don’t get involved in all that. It’s just something I can do on way to and from work. It all adds up.
Errrmmmm…. Maybe selling online? Look at drop shipping where you don’t need to hold stock.
House sitting.

Have a huge de clutter and sell, not a regular income obviously from a de clutter but it may get you started and the bug for selling.
I’m lucky that I trained as a beauty therapist at age 16 , encouraged by my mum to get a skill (over 35 years ago) so after a day at work I can do a client in the evenings for around £40-£50 an hour. Maybe see if it’s not too expensive to do a facial or nail course perhaps? No idea of cost so it may not be feasible . Or a lash course?
Good luck and hope something turns up for you.

StellaJohanna · 26/07/2023 09:57
You ar elucky enough to live in housing subsidised by the taxpayer, and you are looking how to get free money by fraudulently renting out a car parking space that does not belong to you? It seems like you have gone to great lengths to research this before doing it. Why don't you get a job instead?

The taxpayer does not subsidize housing association housing. Please stop spreading pernicious untruths.

ParkMyFace DD will be exempt from CT with uni certificate as a pp has said. There are rules on how many hours you work and a disgustingly small amount of money you're allowed to earn on top, in order to qualify for carers allowance no matter how many hours you put in, but it may be worth looking very closely at how those rules work when you sub some of the care out?
Current idea isn't a safe one but you're clearly good at working out how to create something from little, so suggest you carry on thinking.
My current hand to mouth small business uses free source materials discarded as rubbish, transformed into saleable items.
Alternatively I create Eco-friendly sourced products helping to save the planet by reducing landfill. Which ever way you want to see it. 🙂