Parking Fine Text Scam Messages Scamming - Fraud 0 0 4 1 Mar 9, 2026 2026-03-09T17:24:03-05:00 Mar 26, 2026 2026-03-26T11:10:55-05:00 Online Threat Alerts (OTA) If you receive a text message about a parking fine, it is almost certainly a scam. Official government bodies and local councils do not issue Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) via text message. Genuine fines are exclusively sent as physical tickets attached to your vehicle or via postal letters to the registered keeper's address. How the Scam WorksUrgency & Fear: Messages often threaten immediate legal action, license revocation, or damage to your credit score if you do not pay within a short timeframe (e.g., 24 hours).Convincing Websites: The provided link leads to a fake website designed to look like the official GOV.UK or local authority pages, featuring correct logos and fonts.Personal Data Theft: These sites prompt you to enter your vehicle registration, name, and bank details, which scammers use for financial fraud or identity theft.Red FlagsGeneric Language: The message often lacks specific details like where or when the alleged offence occurred.Suspicious Sender: The text typically comes from a random mobile number or an unknown international code.Incorrect Domain: Fake links often use non-government domains such as .vip, .top, or .date instead of the official .gov.uk or .gov.Faulty Logic: Some scams claim to be from the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency), which does not issue or handle parking fines.What to DoDo Not Click: Avoid clicking any links or scanning QR codes in the message.Report the Text:UK: Forward the message for free to 7726 (the "SPAM" number).US: Report to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your state's Attorney General.Verify Independently: If you think you might have a real fine, check the official council or government website directly by typing the URL into your browser—never use the link from the text.If You Paid: Immediately contact your bank to freeze your accounts and report the fraud.