Scam messages urge people to pay bogus parking fees
Residents are being warned of a parking charge text scam, where they are informed of bogus parking charges, encouraging them to pay immediately. East Riding Council said it does not send text messages about parking fines, and the texts are fraudulent.
Residents are targeted by a text message urging them to make immediate payment and it may threaten prosecution or other legal consequences for non-payment. The text contains a link to a fake website with an application form that requests personal information, including bank details.
Residents are warned by the East Riding’s Trading Standards team to not complete the fraudulent application, which fraudsters use to get personal information and bank details. Residents who receive a text message inviting them to pay parking charges from East Riding of Yorkshire Council should delete the message and block the number.
Trading Standards Services advise anyone who may have responded to this message, or anything similar, to take the following steps:
- End all contact with the sender immediately
- Contact your bank directly, using a number provided to you by the bank. Alternatively, you can call the secure 159 hotline that can connect you directly to your bank’s customer services team
- Report the matter to the police through Report Fraud, on 0300 123 2040, or make an anonymous report online at reportfraud.police.uk
- For further help and advice, residents can also contact Citizens Advice consumer service on 0808 223 1133
- Be aware that you may receive further bogus offers in the future