Warning issued over parking fine text scam

The council said they do not send out any sort of text messages about payment of a PCN charge

Lincolnshire County Council (LCC) is warning people not to respond to texts about parking fines.

It said it was aware of a scam in which people are asked to pay a fine or face prosecution.

The authority said the texts are “nonsense” and confirmed people would not be contacted by the council via text messages regarding a parking penalty charge notice (PCN).

The council said any parking charges should be paid via the details on the back of notices.

The bogus texts warn of increased charges, prosecution and court fees for those who fail to pay with 28 days.

Matt Jones, the authority's parking manager, said: “This scam is trying to get money out of anyone it can, regardless of whether or not they have had a PCN filed about their parking.

“I would suggest that anyone who receives a text message like this takes a screen grab, including the phone number it is sent from, and sends it Action Fraud as soon as possible,” he added.

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