Ring Go Scam Text Messages - How to Protect Yourself

How the Scam Works

• The Message: You receive a text stating you owe money for an unpaid parking session.
• The Bait: It threatens a penalty if you do not pay immediately.
• The Link: It provides a lookalike link (e.g., starting with "ringgo" but ending in strange words like .cloud or random letters).
• The Trick: The text might ask you to reply "Y" or copy the link into your browser to activate it. Do not do this.

What You Should Do

• Do not click the link and do not reply to the text.
• Check your official app to safely see your actual parking history. Log directly into the official RingGo website or use their official smartphone app.
• Delete the message after reporting it.
• Report it (UK): Forward the scam text message to 7726 (a free network reporting service) and report the incident to Action Fraud.

How to Spot a Scam

• No Payment Demands via Text: RingGo explicitly states they will never contact customers via SMS to demand payment for an unpaid parking charge or fine.
• No QR Codes: Scammers are also sticking fake QR codes onto physical parking machines. Real RingGo parking signs do not use QR codes for payments.
• Sender Identity: Scam texts often come from random mobile numbers, generic email addresses (like Gmail), or lookalike titles like "RingGo Parking Servicess".

If you accidentally clicked the link and entered your credit card or bank information, contact your bank's fraud department immediately to freeze your card.