Parking scam alert

A rising scam uses convincing fake parking fines to steal from drivers, with losses often far beyond the initial charge.

Sophisticated parking ticket scam costs Brits thousands

A growing scam targets drivers who return to their cars to find a yellow Parking Charge Notice that imitates an official ticket. The fakes copy logos, car park names and even vehicle details to look real. Some messages direct victims to pay via a suspicious website or scan a QR code that leads to a fake payment portal, while others rely on convincing wording that mirrors official notices.

Legal firm CEL Solicitors says cases are climbing. The fraud is evolving across different postcodes with the same branding and familiar tricks. Victims may pay as little as fifty or seventy pounds, only to have card details used for larger sums. Genuine PCN processes allow an appeal weeks later, and there is no obligation to settle immediately. The advice is simple: slow down, verify with official sources, and do not rush into online payments.

This trend shows that crime is moving from small tricks to stealing data. The pace of city life and the pressure to avoid penalties create a fertile ground for fraud. Authorities and payment portals will need stronger checks to prevent cloned notices and fake portals.

Readers should take away a clear rule: verify before you pay. The report also hints at a need for better consumer protection and clearer guidance for drivers who fall victim.

Highlights

Staying calm and checking official sources is the best defense.