Parking Fine Text Scam UK | How to protect yourself

The Parking Fine Text Scam in the UK is a phishing scam where fraudsters send fake text messages claiming you have received a parking fine.

These messages are designed to trick you into clicking a link and entering your personal or payment details on a fake website.

🔎 What the scam looks like:

• The text may pretend to be from GOV.UK, DVLA, a local council, or a private parking company.

• It often includes:

  • A claim that you owe a fine for illegal parking

  • A payment deadline or threat of legal action

  • A link to a website to “view details” or “pay now”

Example message:

“GOVUK: You have an unpaid parking fine. Pay £45 now to avoid further penalties. Visit [fake-link].gov.uk/payfine”

🚨 What happens if you click the link:

• You’re taken to a fake GOV.UK or parking website

• You’re asked to enter:

  • Name

  • Address

  • Car registration

  • Debit/credit card details

• These details are stolen by scammers

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✅ How to protect yourself:

1. Do not click links in unexpected texts about fines or fees.

2. Check the sender – genuine UK government or council messages usually come from verified senders, not random mobile numbers or suspicious domains.

3. Look closely at the URL – official UK gov sites always end in .gov.uk, and not .gov.uk.xyz or similar fakes.

4. Use official channels – if unsure, visit the GOV.UK website directly or contact your local council.

5. Report the scam – forward the message to 7726 (free scam text reporting service).

📌 What to do if you clicked and entered details:

• Contact your bank immediately – they can block or monitor your account for suspicious activity.

• Change any passwords you may have entered.

• Report the scam to:

  • Action Fraud

  • National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC)