The text includes a link which takes them to a fake government website, where they are asked to input their vehicle registration number. It then shows that they have a parking fine charged at £20.

West Suffolk Council, like other authorities, have received a number of enquiries about these fines, none of which are genuine.

The council does not issue parking fines through text messages. Genuine fines are issued in a yellow penalty charge notice wallet on vehicle windscreens by West Suffolk Council civil enforcement officers

Cllr David Taylor, Cabinet Member for Operations at West Suffolk Council said: “If you receive one of these texts, it is not genuine so please do not open the link and do not pay the fine. Instead, Action Fraud and the National Cyber Security Centre advise that people report the scam by forwarding the text for free to 7726.”

Webtext on this page – Parking fines and appeals (westsuffolk.gov.uk)

West Suffolk Council is warning residents not to fall for a text message parking fine scam after it was contacted by a number of motorists.

Under the scam, people receive a text advising they have received a parking fine. The text includes a link which takes them to what looks like a government website, where they are asked to put in their vehicle registration number. It then shows that they have a parking fine charged at £20.

West Suffolk has received a number of enquiries about these fines, none of which are genuine.

The council does not issue fines through text messages. Genuine fines are issued in a yellow penalty charge notice wallet on vehicle windscreens by West Suffolk Council civil enforcement officers.  

If you receive one of these texts, it is not genuine so please do not open the link and do not pay the fine. Instead, Action Fraud and the National Cyber Security Centre advise that people report the scam by forwarding the text for free to 7726.