Be aware of parking fine scams

Stay safe and report scam text messages

Recently, there have been multiple reports of residents receiving scam texts containing information about fake parking fines.

The scenario:

  • You receive a text message saying that you have a parking fine.
  • You panic!
  • You rethink to remember where you parked your car. "Was I overhanging that yellow line?" "Did I stay longer than the time on the ticket?"
  • Stop!

These scam messages are doing the rounds. Some are generic, others mention your local council. All of them create a sense of urgency by saying the cost will go up if you don't pay straight away or even be taken to court.

Don't click the link. If you do you will be taken to a copycat website that looks official and is designed to steal your personal information and your money.

  • If you have receive a message like this you can report it by forwarding for free it to 7726. This allows your provider to investigate the origin of the text and arrange to block or ban the sender.
  • If you've responded to a scam text message and lost money or been hacked because of it please report it online or on 0300 1232040.
  • If you've parted with personal information, you may wish to contact your bank and change online passwords.

For more information, take a look at the video below.

More from trading standards news


Did you find this information helpful?

Rating Did you find the information helpful?

We aren't able to reply to individual comments, so please don't include any personal details.

Subscribe to our newsletters for latest news and events.