Tue, 02 Sep 2025

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 Don't pay a fake parking fine – four ways to protect yourself from scams

Four simple tips to make sure you don't fall victim to fake texts or payment demands from BBC expert Nick Stapleton.
Genuine Parking Fines:
* Include vehicle registration
* Time of offense and location
* Come in writing (left on windscreen, handed to you in person, or arrive by post) Types of Fines:
* Penalty Charge Notice (council)
* Fixed Penalty Notice (police)
* Parking Charge Notice (private company) - not a fine, but an invoice for breaching parking rules Common Scam Tricks:
* Fake text messages about unpaid tickets
* Tampered car park machines that steal card details
* Urgent and threatening language to make you panic
* Links to websites that look like official government ones (click on other links to check legitimacy) Protecting Yourself:
* Check for vehicle registration, time of offense, and location in parking notices
* Don't click on suspicious links or pay via text message
* Install antivirus software and run a search for malware if you've clicked on a link
* Trust your gut - if something looks off with the car park machine, don't use it Tampered Car Park Machines:
* Look for mismatched or bolted-on contactless payment readers
* Pay in cash or through a parking app if unsure
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