Drivers are being warned not to respond to fake texts telling them they must immediately pay a parking penalty charge notice (PCN).
The city council says it’s been made aware that the texts are being received locally and in other parts of the country, demanding that drivers pay the charge using a link given, or face having the charge doubled and their car taken off the road.
Martin Fletcher, the city council’s highways director said: “We never contact people by text to recover payments. Penalty charge notices for parked vehicles are placed on the vehicle concerned and instructions are given in the notice regarding payment. In the case of moving traffic notices are sent by post.
“These texts ask people to input their car registration and name, and financial information, which we would never do. If you receive such a text you should block the sender and inform the national fraud and cyber-crime reporting centre, Action Fraud."
The council has had reports from more than 30 people who have received the texts in Leicester.
The British Parking Assocation (BPA) is contacting councils across the country to advise them of scams involving fake QR codes stuck to parking meters, and fake text messages.
Isaac Occhipinti from the BPA said “No sector is immune from cybercrime and parking is no different. The sector is used to dealing with attempts to tamper with parking meters, from counterfeit coins to card skimming. However, fraudsters are becoming more and more sophisticated in their attempts to defraud innocent motorists.
“Our advice to motorists is, if you see something that you don’t trust or raises suspicion then always contact the parking operator or the authorities, who will be able to help you."
The BPA offers the following advice to motorists:
- Scammers may place fake QR codes in parking areas, leading users to fraudulent websites designed to steal payment information. Leicester City Council does not use QR codes on parking meters. In other areas, always inspect QR codes for signs of tampering. If it looks like it’s been placed over the original, do not scan it.
- When scanning a QR code, always check that the website address (URL) is legitimate. For secure payments, always use the official app or website. If in doubt, manually enter the URL into your browser instead of scanning an unfamiliar QR code.
- Scammers also send fake PCN text messages claiming you owe fines or penalties for parking. These messages often include links that can steal your personal or financial information. If you receive one - check the sender. Official messages from the DVSA or local authorities will come from verified sources. Be wary of texts from unknown numbers.
- Fraudulent links often use suspicious or shortened URLs. Always double-check before clicking on any link. If you receive a text that looks suspicious, do not click on any links - instead contact local authorities directly to verify the claim.
Cyber-crimes can be reported to Action Fraud at Action Fraud
ends