Drivers told to check four things or text after parking could empty bank account

UK motorists are being urged to remain vigilant following a "surge" in fraudulent parking fine text messages. Scammers are targeting drivers with convincing messages purporting to be from local councils and parking operators, demanding immediate payment for alleged penalties.

Cherie Carter, director at Indigo Car Hire, has outlined four crucial steps every driver should take to protect themselves:

Never click on payment links in text messages. Always verify the information directly on your council's website.

Examine the wording carefully. Councils will not send a text demanding immediate payment.

Check the sender details. Fraudulent texts often originate from random mobile numbers.

Contact your council if you have any doubts. Confirm the validity of the fine before parting with any money.

The scam operates by imitating official penalty charge notices. Victims are informed they must pay promptly, typically via a link or QR code.

Once they surrender their details, criminals can drain bank accounts within minutes.

Consumer groups highlight that confusion between official Penalty Charge Notices - issued by councils - and Parking Charge Notices - from private companies - is exacerbating the situation. The former is a legal fine that must be paid or formally appealed, while the latter is essentially an invoice or demand for payment.

Scammers capitalise on the fact that most drivers are already anxious about escalating fines if they don't pay promptly, leading motorists to panic and pay without conducting thorough checks, Cherie explained.

She warned: "This is fast becoming one of the most dangerous scams on Britain's roads. A text demanding an urgent fine payment might look real, but it could cost drivers hundreds if they fall for it.

"The truth is simple, councils will not chase you through text messages. The headline every motorist should remember is 'Don't click, don't pay, double check'.

"If you take a minute to stop and question it, you could save yourself a lot of money and stress. Stay calm, stay cautious and don't let the criminals win."