UK vehicle owners should remain vigilant and be cautious of a concerning text message circulating on mobile phones. Fraudsters are back in action, leveraging the fear of parking fines to exploit individuals. This latest scam has been identified by the team at Mirror Online and is alarmingly authentic, ranking among the most convincing schemes seen recently.
The scam begins with a straightforward text notification alleging an unpaid Parking Charge Notice (PCN). The message also includes a threat of escalating consequences if the alleged fine is not settled promptly.
The text reads, “Parking Charge Notice (PCN): The system indicates outstanding parking fines that you have not settled,” as observed by Mirror Online.
It further states, “The deadline for payment is August 26, 2025. Failure to pay on time may result in additional fines and interest charges.”
Accompanying the message is a link embedded within it. It is strongly advised that recipients refrain from clicking on this link. Several local councils have issued similar warnings, noting a surge in this type of fraudulent activity in recent weeks.
Trafford Council posted online, cautioning, “Do not click on the link or make any payments,” while the Royal Borough of Greenwich emphasized, “Receiving a text claiming to be a PCN is likely a scam.”
Curious about the potential outcome of clicking the link? Mirror Online conducted an investigation to uncover the process, revealing how individuals could easily fall victim to the scam.
Upon clicking the link, users are directed to a website remarkably similar to the official UK Government’s GOV.UK platform. The site’s appearance, font, design, and color scheme closely mirror the authentic government webpage.
Visitors are prompted to input their local council’s postcode and their vehicle registration details. Upon submitting false information, they are instructed to pay a £20 penalty via a “Pay Now” button displayed under the penalty charge notice.
If deceived, individuals are then prompted to provide their complete address, name, and banking information. Once submitted, scammers gain unrestricted access to personal account data, enabling them to steal funds.
If you receive a text alleging an outstanding PCN, exercise caution and avoid clicking on any links within the message.
“Refrain from disclosing private information (such as bank details or passwords), responding to text messages, downloading attachments, or clicking on email links if their authenticity is uncertain,” advises the GOV.UK website.
Remain vigilant as scammers persist in deploying various tactics to obtain your personal data.