Fake parking penalty charge notice text scam
Impersonating: Parking Enforcement
What is this scam?
Texts claim recipients have an outstanding parking Penalty Charge Notice that will increase by 50% if unpaid within 28 days, and threaten court action. Councils across the UK have confirmed they never contact motorists about PCN payments by text message.
Example scam message
PARKING ENFORCEMENT: You have an outstanding Penalty Charge Notice. Failure to pay within 28 days will result in a 50% surcharge and possible prosecution. Pay now to avoid court costs: pcn-payment.xyz/pay
Red flags to look out for
- The message creates urgency — threatening a fine, missed delivery, or account closure.
- Links lead to unofficial domains that don't match the real company's website.
- You weren't expecting this message and can't verify the event it references.
- It asks you to confirm payment details or personal information via a link.
- The sender's number or email address doesn't match the company's official contact.
What to do if you receive this
- Do not click links or call numbers provided in the message.
- Contact the organisation directly using details from their official GOV.UK page.
- Forward the message to 7726 or email report@phishing.gov.uk.
- Report it to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk.
Received this message?
Forward it to 7726 (free on all UK networks) to report it to your mobile provider.
You can also report it to Action Fraud
or email the NCSC at report@phishing.gov.uk.
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Check a message nowSource: Action Fraud