Parking Ticket Text Scam
The scammers are using fear and a tight deadline to stop you thinking straight. Notice what the message does NOT tell you: where you parked, which car park, what day, what time. A real penalty charge notice contains all of that. They have likely purchased DVLA data to add your registration number and name ΓÇö that detail is not proof the fine is real.
Any legitimate parking fine arrives by post from a local authority or as a physical ticket on your vehicle. No legitimate fine ever arrives by text or email. Stop and think: if you can't remember parking illegally and the message won't tell you where ΓÇö don't pay, don't click, delete it.
What's happening
A text is received claiming you have been caught parking illegally and owe a fine ΓÇö click the link to pay. The text is generic: it won't say which car park or location, give a specific date or time, but may include your registration number and name to appear authentic. As with most parking fines, the message claims the cost doubles if you don't pay within 48 hours.