PCN Fine Notice Scam - How to Protect Yourself

How the Scam Works

• The Hook: You receive an unexpected text message or email claiming you have an "unpaid parking fine" or "outstanding penalty charge notice".
• The Threats: The message uses aggressive language, threatening that you will be taken to court, face a driving ban, see your license suspended, or suffer damage to your credit score if you do not pay immediately.
• The Trap: It provides a link (often disguised to look like a legitimate GOV.UK or council website) or a QR code that takes you to a fake payment page designed to steal your credit card details and personal information.

How to Spot a Fake Notice

• Communication Method: The notice arrives via SMS, WhatsApp, or email. Real PCNs are only ever issued as a physical ticket attached to your vehicle's windscreen or sent via official mail to the address where the vehicle is registered.
• Missing Details: The message is generic and lacks your exact vehicle registration plate, the precise location, or the specific time of the alleged offence.
• Suspicious Links: The web address (URL) looks strange, has spelling mistakes, or ends in unusual extensions (like .top, .cc, or short URLs) instead of official government domains.

What You Should Do

1. Do Not Click: Avoid clicking any links, scanning any QR codes, or replying to the sender.

1. Report It for Free:
   • Text Messages: Forward the text to 7726, the free national spam-reporting service.
   • Emails: Forward the message to report@phishing.gov.uk.
   • Fraud Authorities: If you are in the UK, report the incident online to Action Fraud or call 0300 123 2040.
2. Verify Safely: If you are genuinely worried that you might have a real ticket, search for your local council's official website manually or check your online parking app account directly. Never use the contact details provided in the suspicious message.

Already Interacted with the Link

• Contact Your Bank: If you entered your credit card or banking information, call your bank's fraud department immediately to freeze your accounts and dispute any unauthorized charges.
• Update Passwords: Change the passwords for your banking apps and any online accounts that may have used similar credentials.