Drivers have been told to look out for scam parking charge text messages
Council have warned about a parking-related text scam(Image: LDRS)
An urgent warning has been issued to drivers in one part of Merseyside after a series of scam texts were sent to local people. Sefton Council has issued the warning to motorists across the borough after being made aware of fraudulent messages requesting online payments.
The council said car users are being targeted by text requesting fees for unpaid parking fines and even linking to a ‘copycat’ website styled on the gov.uk secure web portal. According to a statement issued by Sefton Council, local residents are receiving messages directly to their smartphones, fraudulently issuing Penalty Charge Notices.
The text messages an ‘activation link’ directing people to a webpage where they are asked to submit their financial information and confirm payment. This money and key personal information is then believed to be taken by the fraudsters, leaving victims none the wiser.
Sefton Council said it does not issue fines or request payments via text message and posted the alert to its social media accounts: “PARKING PENALTY NOTICE SCAM TEXT MESSAGE. “If you receive a text message that looks like this and is requesting payment for a parking fine, please do not click any links or make any payments.”
The local authority also published a photograph showing the details of the scam test on a mobile phone. The copy of the message reads: “Parking Penalty Notice. Issuing Authority: Penalty Charge. Notice, PCN Notice Number: HG8574952147. Date of Issue: May 7, 2025.
“Penalty Amount: £20. Online Payment: You can visit our official website [website URL] to pay the parking penalty online. Enter the notice number and vehicle registration information to complete the payment process.
“This is the final notice to you. In case of persistent non-payment, legal proceedings may be initiated against you. This may lead to a county court judgment, which will have a negative impact on your credit rating.
Warning about what scam text could look like (Image: Sefton Council)
“(Please reply Y, then exit the SMS, re-open the SMS activation link, or copy the link to open in Safari).”
Scam texts targeting motorist are on the rise with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) urging drivers to be more alert. Cybercriminals are increasingly using this technique to trick individuals into sharing personal information or clicking malicious links.
Last week, the DVLA shared tips for motorists on how to recognise and avoid scams, including emails and text messages. Advice posted to Gov.uk has urged drivers to be more alert.
The warnings come after DVLA revealed almost 20,000 customers called their contact centre to report fraudulent activity. The driving agency said “it has never been more important for motorists to be vigilant and aware” of how to recognise fraudulent emails, texts, websites and calls.
DVLA said customers should only use Gov.uk which is the only place to access official information. Furthermore, the government body advised that using any other website could mean you’ll be charged more for services that are either cheaper or completely free on GOV.UK or worse, completely fraudulent.