Drivers across the country are being urged to stay alert following the spread of a sophisticated text message scam. The fraudulent messages, which have already reached thousands of phones, claim the recipient has failed to settle a parking fine and warn that unless immediate payment is made via a link, extra charges could be added.
According to The Express technology desk, the texts attempt to trick people into responding to a counterfeit Parking Charge Notice (PCN). The outlet reported that the scam was “scarily real” in appearance, closely resembling the official GOV.UK website.
Recipients are told they must act quickly or risk higher penalties and damage to their credit rating.
One of the bogus texts states:
"Parking Charge Notice (PCN): The record shows that you have unpaid parking fines. The deadline for paying the fine is August 23, 2025. If you fail to pay the fine on time, you may be subject to additional fines and interest."
Those who click through are prompted to supply details such as their local council’s postcode and their vehicle registration number, before being asked to hand over £20. Experts stress that no one should click on the link or provide any personal or banking details. Councils nationwide are now issuing warnings on social media to stop people falling victim.
The official GOV.UK website advises:
"Do not give out private information (such as bank details or passwords), reply to text messages, download attachments or click on any links in emails if you’re not sure they’re genuine. Forward suspicious text messages to 7726 - it’s free. This will report the message to your mobile phone provider."
RAC spokesperson Rod Dennis explained:
“This new text message trick is the latest in a series of nasty scams where criminals are catching drivers out by imitating online payment methods. In the short-term, the cost is unnecessary and expensive as drivers end up paying a fine for an offence they didn’t commit.
The long-term implications can be even worse if scammers use their bank or personal details elsewhere. It’s incredibly unusual to receive a text about a parking fine if there wasn’t a ticket on your car in the first place – and the ticket normally includes information on how to pay.
To be safe rather than sorry, we’d advise any recipients of the text to first check if they need to pay a fine with the authority rather than following the URL in the SMS. If a fine is due, ask for the payment options and, if you choose to pay it online, make sure the website is the genuine one and that any details you enter are sent securely.”