Parking Violation Scam Texts

Red Flags

• Urgent Threats: The messages often use high-pressure language, threatening immediate license suspension, credit score damage, or increased late fees (often a specific amount like $35 or £20) if you don't pay within hours.
• Suspicious Links: They include links to fraudulent websites designed to mimic official government portals to steal your payment and personal information.
• Vague Details: Real tickets include a specific PCN number, the vehicle's registration, and the exact time/location of the offense. Scams are typically generic and lack these specific identifiers.
• Grammar & Spelling Errors: Look for awkward phrasing or typos, such as misspelling "vehicle" or using unofficial domain extensions like .vip or .date instead of .gov.
• Activation Prompts: Some scams ask you to reply "Y" to "activate" a link. This is a tactic to bypass your phone's spam filters.

Received a Text

1. Do Not Click: Never click on links or QR codes provided in an unsolicited text.
2. Do Not Reply: Responding, even to "stop," confirms your number is active and may lead to more spam.
3. Verify Independently: If you are genuinely concerned, visit your local government's official website directly (by typing it into your browser) or call their official customer service line to check for outstanding fines.