Parking officials at Herefordshire Council have issued a warning to drivers about fraudulent text messages claiming they need to pay a parking fine.
The council’s parking services team has confirmed the county is being targeted after receiving reports from motorists about this scam.
The culprits are impersonating the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and informing recipients of an alleged unresolved parking fine. These messages lack specifics, such as the date, location, or issuer of the fine, and instead direct recipients to a website that appears legitimate, urging them to provide personal details and make a payment.
A spokesperson for the council emphasized that this is a scam designed to fraudulently extract money from unsuspecting individuals. In one instance, a driver who paid a fake £20 fine later discovered an attempt to withdraw £400 from their account.
The council clarified that local authorities do not send texts regarding parking fines. Official communications always include detailed instructions on how to pay or appeal the fine.
Councillor Barry Durkin stated that Herefordshire Council remains firmly committed to protecting residents from scams like this and expressed gratitude for the public’s vigilance. He assured that the parking services team will actively work to raise awareness and help prevent further incidents.
Residents are advised against clicking on any links in suspected scam messages. Such texts should be deleted immediately and permanently removed from devices.
For those who may have clicked on a suspicious link or entered their financial information, it’s crucial to freeze their bank card and contact their bank’s fraud team without delay.
