UK vehicle owners are advised to be cautious and vigilant regarding a recent text message scam targeting smartphones. Fraudsters are exploiting concerns about parking fines to deceive individuals. This fraudulent activity, highlighted by Mirror Online, is alarmingly realistic and represents a significant threat.
The scam typically begins with a message claiming that an outstanding Parking Charge Notice (PCN) has not been settled, accompanied by a warning of escalating consequences if payment is not made promptly.
The deceptive message reads, “Parking Charge Notice (PCN): The record indicates unpaid parking fines, with a payment deadline of August 26, 2025. Failure to pay on time may result in additional fines and interest.”
Moreover, the text contains a link that recipients are strongly advised against clicking. Several local councils have also cautioned the public about the surge in such scams recently.
Trafford Council posted online, “Please avoid clicking the link or making any payments,” while Royal Borough of Greenwich stated, “Receiving a text claiming to be a PCN is likely a scam.”
Individuals are urged to refrain from clicking any links in suspicious messages to avoid falling victim to scams. The GOV.UK website emphasizes not disclosing sensitive information, such as bank details or passwords, and avoiding interactions with unverified sources.
Scammers, through a sophisticated process, present a fake website resembling the official UK Government’s GOV.UK site. Victims are lured into providing personal details, including their address, name, and banking information, enabling scammers to access and misuse financial accounts.
To safeguard against such fraudulent activities, individuals should exercise caution and refrain from engaging with dubious messages or links. Scammers are constantly devising new tactics to exploit individuals, necessitating heightened awareness and vigilance among the public.
