DVSA Warns Drivers of Sneaky Parking Fine Text Scam
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has flagged a nasty new scam targeting drivers with fake parking fine texts. The latest racket tricks motorists into handing over cash for phantom fines, putting their bank details at serious risk.
Scam Alert: Fraudsters Imitate Official Parking Fines
RAC spokesman Rod Dennis spoke out on the growing menace: “This new text message trick is the latest in a series of nasty scams where criminals are catching drivers out by imitating online payment methods.”
The scam works like this:
- Drivers receive a text claiming they owe a parking fine.
- The message includes a dodgy link for ‘payment.’
- Following the link can lead to bank details being stolen.
- Victims lose money paying fake fines for offences they never committed.
How to Protect Yourself from Fake Parking Fines
Dennis warns: “It’s incredibly unusual to get a text about a parking fine if there wasn’t a ticket slapped on your car first – and real tickets always come with payment info.”
He urges drivers to:
- Check for a physical ticket on the car before believing any texts.
- Contact the issuing authority directly to confirm any fines.
- Only make payments via official, secure websites.
- Avoid clicking suspicious links in texts or emails.
This comes amid a spike in scams targeting vulnerable drivers across the UK. Stay sharp and report any dodgy fines to protect yourself from fraudsters.
