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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: