Fraud Fighters
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Tell us yours

Is the unpaid parking fine text a scam?

Yes. Councils say they never send texts asking you to pay a parking fine. The DVSA says it does not issue or deal with parking fines at all.

Arrives by Text, email. Pretends to be: DVSA, DVLA, a council, RingGo, ParkingEye, the police.

How to spot it

MessageDVSA

Dvsa notice for you: 1You have a parking penalty charge 2due on 2024/9/30.

3https://.com/pay

Text published by: GOV.UK, DVSA warning of September 2024. We blacked out the dark parts.

  1. A fine for a place or a date you do not know
  2. A deadline and threats
  3. The web address does not end in gov.uk
  4. Other signs to watch for
  5. A text, not a letter

How it works

A text says you have an unpaid fine, with a short deadline. It threatens extra fees and damage to your credit file. The link opens a copy of a GOV.UK page, with real logos, and asks for your car registration. It shows a fake penalty charge notice, often £25, then asks for your name, address and card details. Newer versions pretend to be RingGo or ParkingEye, or say a speed camera caught you.

What to do

  1. Do not tap the link. Councils never ask you to pay a fine by text. If you are unsure, check with the council or on gov.uk, typing the address yourself.

  2. Forward the text to 7726. If you typed in your card details, call your bank now.

  3. If you have lost money, tell your bank now and report it to Report Fraud (reportfraud.police.uk or 0300 123 2040) with your screenshots; in Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101. If someone is coming to your home to collect money or cards, call 999.

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