A penalty charge notice (PCN) is a formal warning issued for parking or traffic violations. Recently, many drivers have received scam text messages claiming they owe money for PCNs. These messages create fear and confusion, prompting drivers to act quickly. Let’s learn more about Penalty Charge Notice Text.

Description

Beware of fake Penalty Charge Notice Text! Scammers target drivers with alarming text messages daily.

Key Facts

• Scammers send fake parking fine messages to drivers, claiming they owe a parking fine.
• More than 30 people in Leicester reported these texts.
• The messages demand immediate payment and threaten to double the fine if unpaid.
• Leicester City Council confirms they never text for payment. Instead, they place penalty charge notices on vehicles and send notices for moving traffic by post.
• These scam texts ask for car registration, names, and financial information.
• Council officials urge anyone receiving such messages to block the sender. They recommend reporting to Action Fraud, the national fraud and cyber-crime reporting center.
• Fake QR codes on pay-and-display machines are also a concern.

Fake pay-and-display machines

Leicester City Council warns residents about a QR code scam in car parks. Fraudsters placed fake stickers on pay-and-display machines. These stickers contain a QR code that misdirects payments, tricking people into sending money to the wrong account.

This scam connects to a website registered through a Russian domain service just this month. Additionally, the linked email address has ties to multiple scams since 2021. The council emphasizes that it does not use Fake QR code parking displays for payments. If anyone scanned a suspicious code, they should contact their bank and Leicestershire Police immediately. The council has removed all discovered stickers.

Understanding Penalty Charge Notice Scams

Drivers must be cautious about fraudulent texts regarding penalty charge notices (PCNs). Recently, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) reported a significant increase in these scams. Over 30 individuals in Leicester alone have reported receiving suspicious messages. Scammers often use alarming language to pressure recipients.

For example, a typical message reads, “You have a parking penalty charge due on 2024/9/30.” This creates urgency. The Fake PCN payment threats gave an impression that failure to pay could lead to a driving ban or even court action. Scammers further mislead by instructing people to click a link to check their fines.

Penalty charge notice court threats

One scam message claims, “Today is the last day to pay, or we will transfer your case to court.” This tactic instills fear and pushes individuals to respond quickly. Another message warns, “We are preparing to prosecute you.” Such threats are common tactics in these scams.

Martin Fletcher, a director from Leicester City Council, emphasized that official PCN communication does not occur through text messages. Instead, notices are physically placed on vehicles or sent via post. Official notices do not ask for personal information through text.

Penalty Charge Notice Text Final Thoughts

The British Parking Association (BPA) also published Parking meter fraud warnings that cautioned motorists about fake QR codes appearing at parking lots. These fraudulent codes can lead users to sites that steal sensitive information. If drivers receive suspicious messages, they should verify the source before taking action. Always remember to check URLs carefully and report any scams to Action Fraud.