Motorists have been urged to stay vigilant after reports found parking fine scams sweeping back across the UK, with fraudsters now using both text messages and physical tricks to target unsuspecting drivers.
Experts warned that there has been a sharp rise in scam texts claiming motorists owe money for unpaid parking tickets, which have then seen drivers fall victim to scams.
The messages often appear official and warn that failure to pay quickly could result in further penalties or even legal action.
However, these texts are often fake and have been deliberately designed to steal personal and financial information from drivers.
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An OddsMonkey spokesperson warned: "If you receive a random text saying you owe money for a parking ticket, alarm bells should ring straight away. These scams rely on panic and urgency.
"People worry they've missed a ticket or forgotten about parking somewhere and quickly click the link to sort it out."
The messages typically include a link directing drivers to a payment page. These websites are often made to look like legitimate parking services and ask for sensitive details such as bank card numbers, addresses and contact information.
Once this information is entered, criminals can then use it to commit further fraud activities or even drain victims' bank accounts.
Drivers have been urged to look out for fake parking signs and penalties sweeping across the UK
| GETTYReal notices will include clear and specific details, such as the vehicle registration number, the time of the offence and the exact location.
Importantly, official fines are not sent randomly via text message. Instead, they are usually placed on a vehicle's windscreen, handed directly to the driver by an enforcement officer, or sent through the post.
A Penalty Charge Notice is normally issued by local councils for offences like overstaying in a controlled zone, while a Fixed Penalty Notice is issued by the police, often for more serious offences such as dangerous parking.
The spokesperson explained: "Criminals know most drivers aren't completely familiar with how parking fines are issued. That confusion makes it easier for scammers to send convincing messages demanding payment."
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Experts have urged drivers to be aware of the differences between fixed penalties and penalty charges
| GETTYAlongside the surge in text scams, fraudsters have also been found to be targeting drivers in person by tampering with parking machines.
In some cases, criminals were seen placing fake QR code stickers over legitimate ones, redirecting users to fraudulent websites.
In other fraudulent cases, payment terminals have been altered so that card details can be captured when drivers attempt to pay.
Experts have warned motorists to be cautious if anything about a parking machine seems unusual and to report faulty machines to the authorities.
The parking meters have been targeted by fraudsters
| PA"If something about the machine or payment process seems unusual, it's best to walk away and find another way to pay," the spokesperson said.
Drivers who receive suspicious messages have been advised not to click on any links and to delete the text immediately. If a link has already been opened, users should close the page straight away.
They added: "The key thing to remember is that legitimate authorities won't suddenly text you demanding payment through a random link.
"Taking a moment to pause and verify could prevent criminals from gaining access to your money or personal information."