UK vehicle owners are being warned to be cautious and vigilant as scammers are sending urgent text messages to smartphones, using the pretext of unpaid parking fines to deceive individuals. The fraudulent messages, identified by online publication Mirror, are alarmingly realistic and pose a significant threat.
The scam unfolds with recipients receiving a text claiming an outstanding Parking Charge Notice (PCN) that needs immediate payment to avoid further penalties. The message states, “Parking Charge Notice (PCN): The record shows that you have unpaid parking fines,” setting a deadline for payment by August 26, 2025, with the threat of additional fines and interest if ignored.
The deceptive text includes a link that recipients are advised against clicking on. Local councils, including Trafford Council and Royal Borough of Greenwich, have cautioned against interacting with such messages, labeling them as likely scams that should be disregarded.
Clicking on the embedded link leads users to a website resembling the official GOV.UK platform, complete with matching fonts, design, and colors. Users are prompted to enter their local council’s postcode and vehicle registration details. Upon providing false information, users are directed to pay a £20 fine, with a “Pay Now” option for the penalty charge notice.
Those who fall victim to the scam are coerced into disclosing their full address, name, and banking information, enabling scammers to access and exploit sensitive account details for fraudulent purposes.
To protect against such scams, individuals are advised not to divulge private information, respond to suspicious messages, download attachments, or click on links from unverified sources. Vigilance is crucial as scammers persist in employing various tactics to obtain personal data.