Online Threat Alerts (OTA) - Alerting you to scams and frauds.

No Parking Notice Text Message Scam
No Parking Notice Text Message Scam

If you have received a text message regarding a "No Parking Notice" or "Parking Violation Notice," it is almost certainly a scam. Legitimate government agencies, such as the DMV or local councils, do not typically issue parking tickets or demand payment via text message.

How to Identify Scam

  • Urgency & Pressure: Threats of further action or increased fines if not paid immediately.
  • Suspicious Links: Links often look like .gov sites but are fake (e.g., pay-pcn-gov.com).
  • Lack of Details: Missing vehicle location, time, or specific identifying information.
  • Unusual Payment Methods: Requests to pay via gift cards.

Received a Scam

  • Do Not Reply: Do not engage with the scammers.
  • Do Not Click Links: Clicking can lead to phishing websites that steal data.
  • Forward to 7726: Use the free scam reporting service.
  • Report to Action Fraud: Report the incident to official fraud authorities.

If you are concerned about a potential fine, contact your local council or parking authority directly through their official website, not through the link in the text message.

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