Car owners in the UK are being warned to be vigilant for a concerning text message scam targeting smartphones. Fraudsters are exploiting fears of parking fines to deceive individuals into making payments. The scam, identified by Mirror Online, is alarmingly realistic and has raised significant concerns within the community.
The fraudulent scheme begins with a text notification claiming that a Parking Charge Notice (PCN) remains outstanding. The message emphasizes the urgency of settling the fine within a specified timeframe to avoid further penalties.
The text message displayed by Mirror Online reads: “Parking Charge Notice (PCN): The record shows that you have unpaid parking fines. The deadline for paying the fine is August 26, 2025. If you fail to pay the fine on time, you may be subject to additional fines and interest.”
Furthermore, the text contains an embedded link, which recipients are advised against clicking on. Local councils have also issued warnings regarding the surge in such scams, urging individuals not to engage with suspicious messages.
Authorities like Trafford Council and Royal Borough of Greenwich have cautioned against clicking on any links or making payments in response to these fraudulent texts. They have clarified that messages claiming to be PCNs are likely part of a scam operation.
In an attempt to expose the scam’s process, Mirror Online explored the link provided in the text message. The website it directed to closely mimicked the official GOV.UK portal in terms of design, font, and color scheme, potentially deceiving unsuspecting victims.
Upon entering fake information, users are prompted to pay a £20 fine via a “Pay Now” button. Subsequently, individuals are coerced into disclosing personal details, including their address, name, and banking information, which, once obtained by scammers, can lead to financial theft.
To safeguard against falling victim to such scams, individuals are advised to refrain from clicking on links in suspicious messages and avoid divulging confidential information. The GOV.UK website underscores the importance of vigilance and cautions against sharing private data with unverified sources.
As scammers persist in deploying various tactics to extract sensitive information, staying cautious and informed is crucial to thwart their illicit activities.