Highland Council issues a scam warning about fake parking fines pressuring victims to ‘act quickly’
Highland Council has issued a scam warning about a trend in fake parking fines that aim to trick people into thinking they have to pay up fast.
The texts state they have been issued by “a local council” and if the fine is not paid promptly then a “charge certificate” will be issued leading to a 50 per cent larger fine and court costs.
The text messages state you have 28 days to pay and gives people a link to click on in order to pay.
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Shane Manning of Highland Council Traffic and Parking Services confirmed Highland Council does not operate like this and would only contact people via email or regular mail if they had to pay a PCN.
Highland Council trading standards team leader, Mark McGinty said: “The text is worded in such a way as to escalate pressure on the reader to pay quickly as things will only get worse if they don’t.
“I’d urge anyone who receives such a text to just take a moment to think about it. Ask yourself about your vehicle, where you have parked, is there a link between your vehicle and your mobile phone number? Which Council is it? Of course, it’s not just motorists as these texts are sent to any mobile telephone number.
“If you are suspicious at all, don't click on any links or give out any personal or bank details. Suspicious texts can be reported to mobile providers on 7726, this allows them to identify scam texts and block the numbers they use. Also make your friends and family aware, you will not be the only person to be sent this.”
Mr Manning added: “We have seen a number of these texts sent to various people who have contacted our office.
“This is not how Highland Council conducts business. We do not send texts and our advice is to ignore any texts of this type.
“The Highland Council will contact you regarding a PCN by post or email. If you have been issued a PCN by The Highland Council, you should visit our website (www.highland.gov.uk) for the required information.”
