WARNING to motorists that a common SMS message scams relating to parking is doing the rounds yet again.
We issued a warning in November on our Merseyside Newsbites Page about these Parking Charge Notice (PCN) TXT messages, and again, scammers are starting 2026 off with the same scams. These parking fine scams are becoming a common issue. Equally, these types of messages are increasingly showing up in spam emails like the ones we have previously reported about, so please be vigilant.
This sneaky parking charge notice scam aims to trick you into handing over personal and financial details. Worse still, some can also take payments on non existent car parking charges.
A Sefton Council Spokesperson said:- "Sefton Council does not use text messaging to recover unpaid parking charges," a statement that has been repeated by all UK Councils and all legitimate parking companies we have contacted. This is because the PNC and your email addresses, along with your phone numbers, are not linked!
If you believe you've received a fraudulent TXT message, you can report it to Action Fraud, or call them on:- 03001232040, especially if you think you've lost money or have given the scammers any personal information. If you’re in Scotland and you’ve lost money because of an online scam or fraud, report the crime to Police Scotland.Scotland.
Please forward scam TXT to the number:- '7726.' Remember, never click on the links on scam TXT messages, and delete them.
The British Parking Association has a very useful and comprehensive guide to dealing with this type of TXT or email, along with how to spot fake QR codes within parking areas, including on official signage, that can and often do lead motorists to fraudulent websites designed to steal payment information. Please visit:- BritishParking.Co.UK to read the advice page.
The TXT message currently being sent out that we are aware of reads:- "Parking Charge Notice (PCN): Your system shows outstanding parking fines. Payment deadline: January 5, 2026. Late payment will incur additional penalties and interest. Your driver's license may be revoked, which will negatively impact your credit record. After reading this notice, please enter your vehicle registration number through the following link to check and pay the parking fine (free information inquiry). h****://parking*pcnye.cn*i Complete the payment immediately to avoid legal disputes. Thank you for your cooperation."
Please note, this is just 1 example, but most are similar in style. We have used * to stop anyone accidentally clicking on the fraudulent website.
We are also aware of another email and letter scam targeting people about speeding tickets. It shows a picture of a vehicle that isn't yours, saying that it is registered with you, and that you must pay a fine. Please do contact the Police or Action Fraud for advice if you have received this email or a letter by post.
