Hounslow Council issues warning about parking fine scam

Image: Hounslow Council issues warning about PCN payment scam; stock image

Hounslow Council would “never” send a text message asking for PCN payment

Hounslow Council is warning drivers to be aware of a recent wave of fraudulent text messages demanding payments for parking fines.

Motorists across the borough have reported receiving bogus messages claiming they need to pay a Parking Penalty Charge Notice (PCN). These messages vary in wording but typically include phrases such as: ‘Please pay a parking penalty charge (PCN) issued by a local council’ and threats of prosecution if payment is not made.

Recipients are directed to a website where they are asked to provide personal details and payment information to settle the supposed fine.

Hounslow Council has clarified that they never send a text message asking for payment. Genuine PCNs are either fixed to the vehicle’s windscreen or sent by post to the vehicle’s registered keeper.

The parking operations team has reported the scam to the National Cyber Security Centre, and London Councils, which oversees all local authorities across the capital, has also been notified.

Image: An example of parking fine scam text; via Hounslow Council

“Don’t be fooled by these scam artists… please report it straight away”

Hounslow Council’s Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, Recycling and Transformation, Cllr Shivraj Grewal, said:

“These scam texts are preying on unsuspecting motorists and demanding them to pay money for offences they may not have committed. It is also important to point out that if you enter your information on one of these fake online sites, the criminals may then have access to your bank details.

“The message from Hounslow Council is clear, don’t be fooled by these scam artists. Our Parking Enforcement Team regularly patrols the borough’s roads to ensure that vehicles are parked correctly for the safety of all road users. They will only issue a paper ticket or write to the vehicle owner. If you receive one of these scam texts, please report it straight way.”

The Council urges residents and visitors to be cautious and report any suspicious messages.

To report a scam text, visit the National Cyber Security Centre here.

For more information on legitimate PCNs issued by Hounslow Council, visit their website here.