Drivers urged to be vigilant following rise in fake parking fine texts

North East Lincolnshire residents are being urged to remain vigilant following a spike in fraudulent parking fine text messages.

Reports from the National Anti-Fraud Network (NAFN) suggest an increase in fake text messages purporting to be from local authorities requesting payment of a parking fine.

The messages advise a parking fine has been issued and give a deadline for payment, stating that failure to pay will result in additional fines and interest being charged.

The messages include a link to make payment. The links take people to a convincing copy of a Government website (including logos), where post code and payment details are requested. Messages have been received from the following numbers:

• +62 85136433972

• +62 83840046249

• +44 7919 402201

The links we have been made aware of are:

• https://fine.pcnww.top/bills

• https://fine.pcnqq.top/bills

Residents are reminded that they should remain vigilant and ensure to check any messages or websites they use in relation to parking cars across the borough.

Councillor Ron Shepherd, Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger Communities, said: “These fraudsters are becoming increasingly clever with their tactics to extort money from our honest residents.

“We are committed to working with bodies like NAFN to stamp out any fraudulent activity across our car parks. I urge people to be certain that any links, text messages and even QR codes are legitimate when making payments for things like parking and fines.”